Media Update 12/14/17

Atomic Blonde

I love a good comic book movie and I have been all about Charlize Theron’s career as a badass so it was a no-brainer that I would eventually see this. Then I found out that this movie is actually a project that Theron championed for years. The first (and only) trailer I saw for the movie was exciting and funny. When I actually started watching the movie, I realized that I was in for something quite different from what I expected. This is not a bad thing. The rest of the films on this week’s edition have a lot of action and explosions and whatnot. This movie is an actual slow burn film noir/spy film with a lot of twists and turns. Theron is great as the cold as ice main character who does get a chance to tell a few straight-faced jokes along the way. James McAvoy plays a much different agent, playing his part loud and wearing his heart on his sleeve. The whole thing is set against the backdrop of the Cold War in the days surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall. While there is plenty of intrigue, the movie does not skimp on great fight choreography. This is what I saw in the trailer but it led me to believe that this was all the movie was. The movie had a lot more depth than advertised and a lot more attitude. I definitely recommend it.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard

I love Samuel L. Jackson, the louder and more belligerent the better he is. Ryan Reynolds is in the middle of a period where he is picking great projects to work on that show off his comic skills. Samuel L. Jackson plays the titular hitman and Reynolds plays the titular bodyguard. Reynolds often plays the straight man to Jackson’s laugh out loud humor. Of course, Reynolds does get his own jabs of comedy in as the put-upon bodyguard who has to handle the worst client he probably could have ever gotten. The movie is a comedy/action road trip story that mostly allows Jackson and Reynold’s characters to talk as they travel in between awesome, elaborate action set pieces. I was impressed with how well the dialogue is written for what appeared to be just another dumb blockbuster. Not surprising is how well all of the gun fights and martial arts scenes are choreographed. There are bullets, fisticuffs, car crashes, and plenty of explosions to go around but it only adds to the story as the action sequences often do not stop the two characters from arguing. Elodie Yung does a great job as the Interpol agent who sets a lot of the movie in motion. Throw in some cameos from Gary Oldman and Salma Hayek and you have a great small cast for a big movie. I definitely recommend this one as well.

Salt (Director’s Cut)

This movie is similar to Atomic Blonde in that both are about foreign intelligence service spies trying to navigate loyalties. However, this movie is more filled with literally explosive action scenes. Where Atomic Blonde is more subtle, this movie is a bit more blatant in almost every category. That does not mean that the spy intrigue is not present. There are plenty of spy moments where we are left with a mystery to try and figure out before the end. While the two movies are similar, this movie seemed like a more personal story but a less polished movie. Angelina Jolie is the star of this one and much of the movie follows her as she tries to figure things out and the viewer tries to figure her out. We also follow both Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor who play off each other great. What I find most interesting about this movie is that it was originally written with a male lead in mind and it was changed to fit Angelina Jolie instead. I recommend this one as well.

Music of the Week:

Wavves – Million Enemies

Brujeria – La Ley De Plomo

The Devil’s Daughters – Pass That Bottle

Childish Gambino – Sweatpants

Kesha – Woman

Weekly Updates:
– This week’s theme is “Foreign Intelligence Intrigue”
– I started The Crown Season 2
– I am watching Longmire Season 2
– I watched more Fate/Apocrypha
– I watched more Blindspot Season 1
– As with most weeks, I watched GTLive, Critical Role, Game Grumps, LordMinion777 and KittyKat Gaming.
– I really need to get my act together for Christmas. Always waiting until late.

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Media Update 1/14/2016

Mulan

Here is another Disney Animated Feature Film that I had missed when it came out. I love Disney films but almost nobody ever wants to see them with me. I knew the basic plot points of Mulan because I’ve played Kingdom Hearts II and I fought alongside Mulan and Mushu. Lately the movie was referenced by both Ross O’Donovan and Daisy Ridley and I knew it was finally time to catch up on this one. I wasn’t prepared for it to be so good but I really should learn my lesson because I have yet to watch a truly bad Disney Animated Film (that isn’t a sequel). The music was all great as usual but “Let’s Get Down to Business” and “Honor to us All” and the score itself really stand out. Ming-Na Wen and BD Wong were excellent but the supporting cast were great too. Even Eddie Murphy was funny and not annoying. The movie was touching, funny and then it got serious and awesome and then back to touching. Definitely check it out if you can.

 

The Expanse

I didn’t know what to expect with this one. I’m historically less enthused about science fiction stories but my friends said it was really good. Since there were a ton of episodes on demand, I jumped at it. There is plenty of science fiction and that’s ok, it’s interesting and imaginative while being kind of grounded. However, there’s a ton of world building as the Earth and Mars are locked in a cold war. I really like the fragile politics at play, both on a wide scale and from person to person. They do a great job with big and little philosophies. They also do a really great job with character development. The characters really come alive and feel close to people I’ve met or have feelings I’ve had. If you’re worried about it being too science fictiony, it’s fine. If you’re worried about it being overly grim like a lot of other new sci-fi shows, don’t. It’s got some humor and passion to it. I suggest you at least give the pilot a try.

Vixen

I’ve stated before that I love what the CW is doing with DC Comics property. They’re creating a little DC Universe of their own that is so much fun to watch. They have created Arrow, The Flash and soon will release Legends of Tomorrow which all play in what most call the Arrowverse. The way they’ve constructed everything, it makes magic, advanced science and the mundane fit together so well. I never read much about Vixen in the comics but I was a fan of her in Justice League Unlimited. Here they’ve basically done an animated pilot which mixes her into the Arrowverse but in Detroit so she doesn’t interfere with the other shows’ plots. They also give her her own compelling story and the acting and writing is really compelling. I’ll be looking forward to Season 2 since Season 1 was only 30 minutes long.

 

Links of the Week:
Water Bedlam Prank
Unleash the Archers – Tonight We Ride
Starbomb – The Simple Plot of Metal Gear Solid
Ice Cube, Kevin Hart And Conan Help A Student Driver
David Bowie – Dance, Magic Dance (RIP Goblin King)
Weekly Updates:
– After seeing a proper trailer, I’m now intrigued by Zootopia
– I’ve discovered Adam Savage’s podcast. I’m in love.
– I’m listening to Welcome to Nightvale again. Excellent.
– it’s a whole year until Moana is released. Ugh. Can’t wait.
– I’m gaining such an appreciation for lawyer characters now
– I love The Muppets (2015) more and more and they’re about to reboot
– So excited for the weekend. I can get my nose out of my textbook