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| Captain America's shield bottle opener |
Now when your friend asks you to toss him the bottle opener you can try to bank it off of three or four surfaces on its way to him!
Fighting Nazis (and thirst) since the 1930's!
Showing posts with label Captain America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Captain America. Show all posts
Friday, August 31, 2012
Geek Gear: Captain America's Shield Bottle Opener
Now when your friend asks you to toss him the bottle opener you can try to bank it off of three or four surfaces on its way to him!
Fighting Nazis (and thirst) since the 1930's!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Happy 236th Birthday, U.S.A.!
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| To celebrate Independence Day, here's the cover to Captain America #236... fitting, since the country is 236 years old this year! |
Friday, May 4, 2012
Marvel Media Mania: The Avengers (Midnight Show Review) - SPOILER FREE
The Avengers is the 2012 theatrical release starring... well, everybody from the previous films in the Avengers movie universe (except Ed Norton who was replaced by Mark Ruffalo). I'll try to do this without spoiling anything for anyone.
This movie is a fanboys' dream come true. Ten years ago if you had told me that Marvel would make a successful movie franchise of individual Avengers movies all tied together and leading into a group movie I would have said you're nuts. The logistics of it are immense. But that's exactly what Marvel has done.
The plot of the movie ties in the origins of the both the original Avengers and the Ultimate Comics version of the Avengers, The Ultimates. The two villains are Loki and the Chitauri. Combining an Asgardian god might seem like an odd choice and, I'll admit, it is. But there are quite a few moments of displacement. At one point, Thor and Loki duke it out on top of a skyscraper. A skyscraper just doesn't seem like the right location to see these two fight it out but once I got past that it worked.
This movie almost feels like two movies put together. The plot starts out pretty slow, introducing character one at a time with lots of talking and not very much action at all. Some scenes just seem to go on a little longer than necessary. The film really takes its sweet time introducing the character, let along forming a team.
The second half really rams up the action. All of the scenes that got huge reactions from the crowd (and I would say there were probably about 15 of them) came in the second half. Overall, the movie felt a little long.
The Avengers remain largely unchanged from the first films. Thor and Cap get a costume upgrade. The Hulk's appearance was altered slightly and to look like Ruffalo. Loki's appearance was made more menacing. I was pleased that characterization from the previous films was maintained almost flawlessly. Banner and Loki were perhaps the two most changed in personality. Banner, under Ruffalo's vision, comes across as a quirky, brilliant loser who simultaneously fears and desires to transform into the Hulk. He refers to the Hulk as "the other guy." "The Other Guy" is more wild than previously show in The Incredible Hulk. He lashes out wildly without any real control or direction. As for Loki, gone is the mischievous schemer who accidentally stumbles onto the throne. This Loki is power mad and willing to become a mass murderer to get what he wants.
One of this film's best qualities is the humor. There are some EXCELLENTLY FUNNY moments that you'll never see coming. There are plenty of insider references that will make fanboys happy and I don't think average fans will feel left out most of the time. Fans of Joss Whedon's sense of timing and penchant for delivering the unexpected won't be disappointed.
This movie will make fanboys squeal with glee and beg for more. Casual viewers will likewise feel satisfied.
1LR Movie Review - 17 out of 20 - It's a Solid Hit!
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| The Avengers |
The plot of the movie ties in the origins of the both the original Avengers and the Ultimate Comics version of the Avengers, The Ultimates. The two villains are Loki and the Chitauri. Combining an Asgardian god might seem like an odd choice and, I'll admit, it is. But there are quite a few moments of displacement. At one point, Thor and Loki duke it out on top of a skyscraper. A skyscraper just doesn't seem like the right location to see these two fight it out but once I got past that it worked.
This movie almost feels like two movies put together. The plot starts out pretty slow, introducing character one at a time with lots of talking and not very much action at all. Some scenes just seem to go on a little longer than necessary. The film really takes its sweet time introducing the character, let along forming a team.
The second half really rams up the action. All of the scenes that got huge reactions from the crowd (and I would say there were probably about 15 of them) came in the second half. Overall, the movie felt a little long.
The Avengers remain largely unchanged from the first films. Thor and Cap get a costume upgrade. The Hulk's appearance was altered slightly and to look like Ruffalo. Loki's appearance was made more menacing. I was pleased that characterization from the previous films was maintained almost flawlessly. Banner and Loki were perhaps the two most changed in personality. Banner, under Ruffalo's vision, comes across as a quirky, brilliant loser who simultaneously fears and desires to transform into the Hulk. He refers to the Hulk as "the other guy." "The Other Guy" is more wild than previously show in The Incredible Hulk. He lashes out wildly without any real control or direction. As for Loki, gone is the mischievous schemer who accidentally stumbles onto the throne. This Loki is power mad and willing to become a mass murderer to get what he wants.
One of this film's best qualities is the humor. There are some EXCELLENTLY FUNNY moments that you'll never see coming. There are plenty of insider references that will make fanboys happy and I don't think average fans will feel left out most of the time. Fans of Joss Whedon's sense of timing and penchant for delivering the unexpected won't be disappointed.
This movie will make fanboys squeal with glee and beg for more. Casual viewers will likewise feel satisfied.
1LR Movie Review - 17 out of 20 - It's a Solid Hit!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Marvel Media Mania: Marvel Super Heroes (1966)
The Marvel Super Heroes show originally aired on television in 1966. Although it was only on the air for one year, it aired five days a week and each half hour was divided into three segments, each of which told its own story, so about 200 segments were created for this show!
This show is the original motion comic. To meet the production schedule, they lifted art directly from the comics. In fact, the storylines themselves were directly from the comics. Frankly, motion comics today aren't much better than this series was in 1966. The images are largely motionless with only minor elements such as a mouth, a limb, or perhaps a bit of scenery moving.
The result is that, while the show doesn't have very good animation, it does capture the feel of a comic book. It even uses onomatopoeia in addition to actual sound effects. Each segment ends in a typical comic book cliffhanger. The episodes are heavy with narration that would have originally appeared in narration boxes.
Because the stories were taken directly from the comics, the faults of the comics are directly transferred to the series. Action is energetic but unrealistic. Plots are full of excitement but all seem to be the same. Episodes are filled with pseudo-science terms.
The voice acting is capable at best. You can tell that these guys were churning out these episodes by the scores. The Hulk doesn't sound much like an angry toddler but more like a man with a sore throat.
The different segments rotated between Captain America, Namor the Sub Mariner, Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk. To me, they're all equal to one another - no one is much better or worse than any other.
As a Marvel fan, these episodes are interesting simply for their historical significance. For many of these characters, this was there first appearance on any screen. And if nothing else watching these episodes provides a cheap and quick way to catch up on some old-school Marvel continuity.
1LR Review - 12 out of 20 - It's a Glancing Hit!
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| What a great old ad. |
The result is that, while the show doesn't have very good animation, it does capture the feel of a comic book. It even uses onomatopoeia in addition to actual sound effects. Each segment ends in a typical comic book cliffhanger. The episodes are heavy with narration that would have originally appeared in narration boxes.
Because the stories were taken directly from the comics, the faults of the comics are directly transferred to the series. Action is energetic but unrealistic. Plots are full of excitement but all seem to be the same. Episodes are filled with pseudo-science terms.
The voice acting is capable at best. You can tell that these guys were churning out these episodes by the scores. The Hulk doesn't sound much like an angry toddler but more like a man with a sore throat.
The different segments rotated between Captain America, Namor the Sub Mariner, Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk. To me, they're all equal to one another - no one is much better or worse than any other.
As a Marvel fan, these episodes are interesting simply for their historical significance. For many of these characters, this was there first appearance on any screen. And if nothing else watching these episodes provides a cheap and quick way to catch up on some old-school Marvel continuity.
1LR Review - 12 out of 20 - It's a Glancing Hit!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Video - Military Dad Surprises Son Dressed As Captain America
This is a heartwarming video. These kids obviously have a great father! Cap's got nothing on this guy.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Marvel Media Mania: Captain America: The First Avenger
Captain America: The First Avenger was released theatrically in the summer of 2011. 1LR Previously reviewed this film here but, for the sake of completeness, we'll revisit the film again. After all, many times when you rewatch a film you come away with a completely different perspective. Originally, this movie received a 17 out of 20 from 1LR.
The script for this film is excellent. It finds just the right tone for the movie and keeps a steady balance between emotionally character development and action. As seen by previous film efforts, Captain America is very difficult to get right but this film manages to walk the line. There are tons of references not only to tie this film to the other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also to the Captain America comics. I liked how the actual first Cap comics were, in the film, inspired by Cap's real success.
The character development of Cap follows the comics... up to a point. There's the Super Solider Serum and Dr. Erskine. But I really liked how the army tried to use Cap first as a lab rat then as a poster boy for war bonds. Cap doesn't get into serious action until well into the film but I didn't mind. The character development and historical stuff was more than interesting enough to hold my attention. When the action does come, you're ready for it, not saying, "Oh no! Not another fight sequence!"
Cap's evolution into the battle uniform follows his evolution as a character. The stage costume he uses is very close to the real thing from the comics but it looks intentionally dorky. The movie builds to a hybrid army fatigues and super hero outfit that looks right at home in the film. Quite a few designs, from super large tanks to rotating super planes, look as if they came straight from the pages of a comic book.
Most importantly, the movie nails the character of Steve Rogers. He's humble and inspirational all at the same time with his neverending determination. It seems like the movies always want to reinvent or modernize characters like Cap and Superman because they're "too pure to relate to" but I'm really glad that they didn't try to give Cap some strange hang-ups.
I'll admit that this film played my emotional cords when Cap's plane is going down as he's talking to Agent Carter as if it's a normal phone conversation. How often does a superhero movie make you cry?
My opinion of this film has only improved since my original viewing.
1LR Review - 18 out of 20 - It's a Solid Hit!
The character development of Cap follows the comics... up to a point. There's the Super Solider Serum and Dr. Erskine. But I really liked how the army tried to use Cap first as a lab rat then as a poster boy for war bonds. Cap doesn't get into serious action until well into the film but I didn't mind. The character development and historical stuff was more than interesting enough to hold my attention. When the action does come, you're ready for it, not saying, "Oh no! Not another fight sequence!"
Cap's evolution into the battle uniform follows his evolution as a character. The stage costume he uses is very close to the real thing from the comics but it looks intentionally dorky. The movie builds to a hybrid army fatigues and super hero outfit that looks right at home in the film. Quite a few designs, from super large tanks to rotating super planes, look as if they came straight from the pages of a comic book.
Most importantly, the movie nails the character of Steve Rogers. He's humble and inspirational all at the same time with his neverending determination. It seems like the movies always want to reinvent or modernize characters like Cap and Superman because they're "too pure to relate to" but I'm really glad that they didn't try to give Cap some strange hang-ups.
I'll admit that this film played my emotional cords when Cap's plane is going down as he's talking to Agent Carter as if it's a normal phone conversation. How often does a superhero movie make you cry?
My opinion of this film has only improved since my original viewing.
1LR Review - 18 out of 20 - It's a Solid Hit!
Monday, April 9, 2012
Marvel Media Mania: Captain America (1990)
The Captain America movie from 1990 was SUPPOSE to be a theatrical release but instead it was released direct-to-video..
I liked that this film parts ways with previous on-camera depictions of Cap. This film isn't afraid to get its hands dirty as shown by the slaughter of an innocent family in the opening scene and the point blank, on-camera assassination of a scientist. I also liked the slow opening. The film takes its time to set up the story and to develop the feel of the historical era.
The film then quickly accelerates to Rogers receiving the Super Solider Serum and going on his first mission as Captain America. The movie moves as a quick clip.
As for Cap's look... it's okay but really not great. I'll say this - the were very true to the comic book look. The Red Skull looks like a close-up of a lumpy, scarred Red Potato. That is, when the Red Skull is red at all. About 1/3 of the way through the film he gets plastic surgery and his skin isn't red anymore!
There are some neat insider references to the Submariner and Human Torch along the way that strongly suggest they exist in this continuity and are known by the population at large.
The story takes an odd turn when it tries to connect the 1940's action to the 1990's. It does so by using a kid, Thomas Kimball, who Cap saves and then he becomes the President in the 90's. It's a narrative stretch to say the least. We're to believe that the President still carries in his back pocket dark, grainy pictures he took when he was 10?
While many reviewers are down on this film, I actually was able to enjoy it to an extent. Sure, it's full of cheese but it's Captain America... what do you want?
The action isn't spectacular but it's not quite bad either. It's good in concept but sometimes the editing makes things hard to follow. And who wants to see an old president beating up bad guys? We paid to see Captain America, not Air Force One!
In the plus side for this movie in strange connection to A Christmas Story. Both Ralphie's mom and dad have parts in this film!
While not great, it was certainly the best Captain America effort up to 1990.
1LR Review - 12 out of 20 - It's a Glancing Hit!
The film then quickly accelerates to Rogers receiving the Super Solider Serum and going on his first mission as Captain America. The movie moves as a quick clip.
As for Cap's look... it's okay but really not great. I'll say this - the were very true to the comic book look. The Red Skull looks like a close-up of a lumpy, scarred Red Potato. That is, when the Red Skull is red at all. About 1/3 of the way through the film he gets plastic surgery and his skin isn't red anymore!
There are some neat insider references to the Submariner and Human Torch along the way that strongly suggest they exist in this continuity and are known by the population at large.
The story takes an odd turn when it tries to connect the 1940's action to the 1990's. It does so by using a kid, Thomas Kimball, who Cap saves and then he becomes the President in the 90's. It's a narrative stretch to say the least. We're to believe that the President still carries in his back pocket dark, grainy pictures he took when he was 10?
While many reviewers are down on this film, I actually was able to enjoy it to an extent. Sure, it's full of cheese but it's Captain America... what do you want?
The action isn't spectacular but it's not quite bad either. It's good in concept but sometimes the editing makes things hard to follow. And who wants to see an old president beating up bad guys? We paid to see Captain America, not Air Force One!
In the plus side for this movie in strange connection to A Christmas Story. Both Ralphie's mom and dad have parts in this film!
While not great, it was certainly the best Captain America effort up to 1990.
1LR Review - 12 out of 20 - It's a Glancing Hit!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Marvel Media Mania: Captain America II: Death Too Soon
This is the sequel to the earlier made-for-TV Captain America movie. Except for Len Birman and Reb Brown, the entire cast is new. This was done as a second Captain America pilot in the same year for CBS.
Let's talk about what's good about this movie first - Christopher Lee. That's right - Count Dooku was in this film! He played the bad guy whose name I can't remember even though I just watched the film (It's just "Miguel" - I looked it up on www.imdb.com). He does a pretty good job as his voice and stature naturally lend to a menacing villain.
Beyond that, this movie is almost complete cheese. Sure, Brown's Rogers actually summons some emotion in this one when he's yelling at a single mother. But forget about actual character development or plot. In the first movie there was a neutron bomb. In this one there is a super-deadly chemical that's about to be released into a city... wait, wasn't that a few seasons of 24 as well?
I watched this with my four year old son and he kept asking, "When are we going to see Captain America?" When Rogers does suit up on a rare occasion, you wonder why you were looking forward to it. Cap's shield throw is so super-slow it's a wonder he hits anything with it. When he runs on the beach at super speeds, the waves seem to be crashing very quickly as well. Cap slides down a railing like a little kid. And, oh yeah, it turns out his motorcycle has had a hang glider in it all along. Which he uses. To. Very. Slowly. Chase. The. Villain. Who. Is. Driving. A. Car.
Yawn. I thought the first one was bad because it had so little Cap action in it. Now I see the filmmakers were showing their better judgment.
1LR Review - 7 out of 20 - It's a Miss!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Marvel Media Mania: Captain America (1979)
Captain America is a 1979 made for TV movie that was released on CBS on the day I turned two years old (not that I remember it!).
The actor who played Steve Rogers / Captain America in the film, Reb Brown, comes across as being really mellow. In fact, he barely shows any emotion at all! That's probably what they were going for, to attempt to bridge the gap between Cap's traditional military origins and the anti-war crowd. Rogers is a soft-spoken, reluctant hero that basically has to be dragged into being a superhero. Instead of the Super Soldier Serum, Rogers receives his powers from the FLAG serum that saves his life after an attempted murder. The name "Captain America" comes from a nickname Roger's father had since Rogers isn't actually a Captain at all!
This film is perhaps best remembered for the kooky reimagining of Cap's. It actually takes a significant amount of time before Rogers gets into his full, final Cap uniform. The shield's white ring and blue area are replaced with clear ones and Cap is able to use it as a windshield on his motorcycle. Cap's wings are painted on his motorcycle helmet. Essentially, Cap is completely focused on his motorcycle. He's more Evil Knievel than Captain America!
Cap action is more slapstick than combat. He spills oil so the bad guys slip. He knocks out a bad guy with car exhaust, not his shield. Basically, stuff any ordinary guy could do without superpowers. Yawn.
The villains are common gangsters/terrorists - no super villains. But somehow these thugs have gotten their hands on a neutrino bomb! What do they plan on doing with it? Not blackmail - they're just going to blow up a city. Beyond that, we don't get much in the way of an explanation as to their motives. Sounds ridiculous but I think that was probably three seasons of 24!
Probably the worst thing about this movie is how boring it is. Between Roger's monotone voice, the vague villain motivations, soft music, unnecessary scenes, lots of exposition, and really slow buildup to actual Cap action this film just seems to drag on and on.
1LR Review - 9 out of 20 - It's a Miss!
This film is perhaps best remembered for the kooky reimagining of Cap's. It actually takes a significant amount of time before Rogers gets into his full, final Cap uniform. The shield's white ring and blue area are replaced with clear ones and Cap is able to use it as a windshield on his motorcycle. Cap's wings are painted on his motorcycle helmet. Essentially, Cap is completely focused on his motorcycle. He's more Evil Knievel than Captain America!
Cap action is more slapstick than combat. He spills oil so the bad guys slip. He knocks out a bad guy with car exhaust, not his shield. Basically, stuff any ordinary guy could do without superpowers. Yawn.
The villains are common gangsters/terrorists - no super villains. But somehow these thugs have gotten their hands on a neutrino bomb! What do they plan on doing with it? Not blackmail - they're just going to blow up a city. Beyond that, we don't get much in the way of an explanation as to their motives. Sounds ridiculous but I think that was probably three seasons of 24!
Probably the worst thing about this movie is how boring it is. Between Roger's monotone voice, the vague villain motivations, soft music, unnecessary scenes, lots of exposition, and really slow buildup to actual Cap action this film just seems to drag on and on.
1LR Review - 9 out of 20 - It's a Miss!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Marvel Media Mania: Captain America (1944)
Captain America was a 1944 black and white movie serial of 15 parts by Republic Pictures.
Pretty much the only thing this serial has in common with Captain America is the name of the hero. Steve Rogers isn't even in this episodic adventure! Instead, Captain America's alter ego is Grant Gardner, district attorney. Captain America isn't given an origin. We don't have any idea why Gardner would dress up as a superhero and fight crime, especially since Gardner himself is just as likely to mix it up with thugs as Captain America is. Captain America doesn't even have his signature shield! Nor does he have Bucky and he doesn't even fight the Nazis of the day (remember, this is 1944!).
To me, this serial is directly inspired by the much superior Captain Marvel serial. There plots are very similar and even share some of the same themes (Captain Marvel had a scorpion theme, this had a scarab theme). In fact, they share some of the same cast. The plots are typical of the era's serials - a mysterious crime syndicate is trying to attain power and the hero is the only thing standing in the way. Very little thought seems to have been given to the series. Even for the day the Captain America costume looks horrible (especially the eye holes). Actor Dick Purcell doesn't do a particularly convincing job in either the roll of Captain America or as Grant Gardner.
The cliffhanger endings end up seeming more like cheats or cheap tricks rather than real, intriguing heart-stoppers. Most of the time, Captain America escapes merely by dumb luck since he has no real super powers.
Captain America is bloodthirst in this serial (which is totally out of character). He often charges into a room, pistol drawn, ready to shoot. Rarely does a villain escape with his life. The police seem to accept this without question. In one scene, Captain America phones the police and tells them to come over right away, he just killed a man. The police respond with "Good job! Go get 'em!" The police seem to be completely helpless at every turn, relying solely on Captain America to solve their problems.
All in all, this serial's greatest failing is not being true to the character of Captain America. It does retain some value as the first time a Marvel character appeared on screen and for that alone it is worth watching.
1LR Review - 6 out of 20 - It's a Failure!
To me, this serial is directly inspired by the much superior Captain Marvel serial. There plots are very similar and even share some of the same themes (Captain Marvel had a scorpion theme, this had a scarab theme). In fact, they share some of the same cast. The plots are typical of the era's serials - a mysterious crime syndicate is trying to attain power and the hero is the only thing standing in the way. Very little thought seems to have been given to the series. Even for the day the Captain America costume looks horrible (especially the eye holes). Actor Dick Purcell doesn't do a particularly convincing job in either the roll of Captain America or as Grant Gardner.
The cliffhanger endings end up seeming more like cheats or cheap tricks rather than real, intriguing heart-stoppers. Most of the time, Captain America escapes merely by dumb luck since he has no real super powers.
Captain America is bloodthirst in this serial (which is totally out of character). He often charges into a room, pistol drawn, ready to shoot. Rarely does a villain escape with his life. The police seem to accept this without question. In one scene, Captain America phones the police and tells them to come over right away, he just killed a man. The police respond with "Good job! Go get 'em!" The police seem to be completely helpless at every turn, relying solely on Captain America to solve their problems.
All in all, this serial's greatest failing is not being true to the character of Captain America. It does retain some value as the first time a Marvel character appeared on screen and for that alone it is worth watching.
1LR Review - 6 out of 20 - It's a Failure!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Marvel Character Origins for Kids
It's always good to make your core concept easily accessible to fans. Marvel has attempted to do this a number of different ways over the years but the latest seems to be a series of books featuring Spider-man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Iron Man, and the X-Men that retell each of their origin stories.
While that sounds great, I wondered a few things... from the solicitation write-ups it is very unclear whether or not this is a reprint book or represents the origin retold with new art and stories. One clue might be from the X-Men book because it says it features Storm and Wolverine (among other characters) when both Storm and Wolverine didn't come around until much later in X-Men continuity.
While that sounds great, I wondered a few things... from the solicitation write-ups it is very unclear whether or not this is a reprint book or represents the origin retold with new art and stories. One clue might be from the X-Men book because it says it features Storm and Wolverine (among other characters) when both Storm and Wolverine didn't come around until much later in X-Men continuity.
Another point is the price - Sure, books are expensive but Marvel made these hard covers at a $9 price tag. If the idea is to introduce future fans to your characters why not make them soft cover and give them away for next to nothing?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Oh Captain, My Captain
I know this is late coming but I just stumbled across the news article about this. Before the Captain America: The First Avenger film was released there was wild speculation that "America" or "Captain America" was going to be dropped from the film's title internationally. See, we Americans aren't that popular abroad, the theory goes, so if the film had "American" in its title it wouldn't do well oversees.
Well, as it turns out, that's a bunch of whooie. First, the film starred a wide range of European personalities in the Howling Commandos (true to the comics). Secondly, it ending up grossing $189 million oversees. While that's not great it isn't a disaster either. Believe it or not, it was more successful in Brazil and Mexico. Go figure.
Anyway, the film WAS released under an alternate title in just THREE countries (as far as I can tell it wasn't released in China at all... go figure) - Russia, Ukraine, and South Korea. In Russia it made nearly $9 million (not bad), in South Korea it did nearly $4 million (not bad... it is South Korea), and in the Ukraine it didn't even make $1 million (but then again, what do you expect from Ukraine?). I wonder how much different the box offices from these three countries would have been if the film had been released under its full title? I understand the logic in Russia and I guess I can extend that to the Ukrain... but why South Korea? North Korea - sure - but South Korea? I thought they liked us? Hmmm...
Anyway, the film WAS released under an alternate title in just THREE countries (as far as I can tell it wasn't released in China at all... go figure) - Russia, Ukraine, and South Korea. In Russia it made nearly $9 million (not bad), in South Korea it did nearly $4 million (not bad... it is South Korea), and in the Ukraine it didn't even make $1 million (but then again, what do you expect from Ukraine?). I wonder how much different the box offices from these three countries would have been if the film had been released under its full title? I understand the logic in Russia and I guess I can extend that to the Ukrain... but why South Korea? North Korea - sure - but South Korea? I thought they liked us? Hmmm...
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Jedi America
What could make Captain America even cooler? If he was a Jedi! Can you image Captain America with the shield AND a Lightsaber (or two)? Well, in my house this fantasy has become the reality.
My four year old son, pictured below, saved his money for WEEKS to buy the Captain America shield I previously posted about. It's nice to know that somebody reads this blog! He hasn't seen the Captain America movie yet but he has seen some Avengers cartoons including the animated movie, Avengers Next. He idolizes Thor and Captain America. The next item on his list to purchase is the Thor hammer I blogged about. Nice!
This has gotten me thinking... has there ever been a Jedi with a shield? If not, why not? With the wide variety of lightsabers and fighting styles you'd think SOME Jedi in the thousands of years of Jedis would have had a shield! If you're aware of a Jedi with a shield, let me know!
But back to Captain America... I think he's force sensitive. How else can you explain the shield throw that bounces 12 times only to strike his opponent's gun hand? Give that man a lightsaber and watch kick some terrorist tail!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Comic Book Movies - 2011 Summer Review
This summer was much anticipated for the four major comic book movies: Thor, X-Men: First Class, Green Lantern, and Captain America: The First Avenger. I thought I've provide my thoughts and analysis as I reflect upon all four of these movies. Listed from best to worst...
1) Captain America - This movie is simply great. A historical piece heavy on character with lots of fanboy moments but still accessible to the average fan.
2) X-Men: First Class - While this was still a great film, I feel that the large number of characters may make this film a little harder for a casual fan to follow.
3) Thor - A fun movie that did the seeming impossible - made Thor in the real world look normal.
4) Green Lantern - Not a "bad" movie but the worse of the four. It didn't take the time to explain core concepts to viewers who weren't core Green Lantern fans. Ultimately, it may have over reached and tried to do too much in one film.
All in all, add in movies such as Super 8 and Harry Potter and this summer was a great one for movie fans. It looks like there's still more greatness to come with Dark Knight Rises, Amazing Spider-Man, and The Avengers on the horizon!
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| Cap trumped the rest... |
2) X-Men: First Class - While this was still a great film, I feel that the large number of characters may make this film a little harder for a casual fan to follow.
3) Thor - A fun movie that did the seeming impossible - made Thor in the real world look normal.
4) Green Lantern - Not a "bad" movie but the worse of the four. It didn't take the time to explain core concepts to viewers who weren't core Green Lantern fans. Ultimately, it may have over reached and tried to do too much in one film.
All in all, add in movies such as Super 8 and Harry Potter and this summer was a great one for movie fans. It looks like there's still more greatness to come with Dark Knight Rises, Amazing Spider-Man, and The Avengers on the horizon!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
America Beats England
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| Don't mess with a WWII vet... |
Cap came in with a solid $65 million compared to Harry's $47 million. What's amazing is that this represents a 72% crop in Harry's second weekend! That's a BIG drop (typical is 50%) especially when you consider the strong reviews that Harry 7.2 got.
1LR predicts that Cap will have some legs - it had a strong opening but a good word of mouth campaign is underway that should sustain interest.
So, as is the theme of history, America shows England who's the boss once again!
Friday, July 22, 2011
No Avengers Trailer After Cap?!?!?
You've never seen a more disappointed group of fanboys than after the Captain America midnight showing. Why? The much anticipated Avengers trailer didn't show as promised!
I don't know if this was just for my theater or just for the midnight show but this left a bad taste in everyone's mouths. Cap was awesome and then... disappontment. Fans grumbled as they filed out of the theater. The same thing happened after X-Men: First Class - no "kicker" ending after the credits. Fans have come to expect these endings. They're fun and they are frequently used to juice up excitement for the next movie. It's a win-win. To not put one on is just lazy.
So, without further ado, for your viewing pleasure... the Avengers trailer - warning - it's a bit "rough" but definately genuine! CONTENT MISSING
That thing got yanked down so fast I think even Thor got whiplash. 1LR will post it when it becomes available once again.
I don't know if this was just for my theater or just for the midnight show but this left a bad taste in everyone's mouths. Cap was awesome and then... disappontment. Fans grumbled as they filed out of the theater. The same thing happened after X-Men: First Class - no "kicker" ending after the credits. Fans have come to expect these endings. They're fun and they are frequently used to juice up excitement for the next movie. It's a win-win. To not put one on is just lazy.
So, without further ado, for your viewing pleasure... the Avengers trailer - warning - it's a bit "rough" but definately genuine! CONTENT MISSING
That thing got yanked down so fast I think even Thor got whiplash. 1LR will post it when it becomes available once again.
1LR Midnight Movie Review: Captain America - The First Avenger (Spoilers!)
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| Captain America |
Chris Evans does a great job as both Captain America AND Steve Rodgers. It's funny because even though Cap transforms physically, mentally he remains the same person - he's just now able to act on the impulses he was physically unable to before. So even though Cap is big, strong, and buff you still see he's socially awkward and geeky. No inspirational Cap speeches in this film (a bit of a disappointment for me personally) but it would have seemed out of place with the direction they went with the character.
Like Thor, I particularly enjoyed how funny this movie was. Tommy Lee Jones delivers many great lines in a deadpan voice that strikes just the right chord for humor.
I went to this film with my friend Sam who isn't a comic book fan at all and even he enjoyed it. The theater was very full for a midnight show (not Harry Potter full, but still a good crowd) and the crowd seemed pleased with the film overall.
1LR REVIEW: 17 out of 20 - It's a Solid Hit (with Cap's shield)!
Monday, July 18, 2011
1LR Midnight Movie: Captain America - The First Avenger
It's that time again! This Thursday into Friday at midnight, 1LR will represent at the Captain America: The First Avenger midnight showing! Meet at the Queensgate 13 Frank Theatre in York, PA. Hope to see you there!
Watch the trailer!
Watch the trailer!
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