2020-2029, Film Review

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

Posted on July 26, 2025August 19, 2025 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Film Review

Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, Natasha Lyonne, Paul Walter Hauser, Ralph Ineson

Director: Matt Shakman

Synopsis: On a retro-futuristic parallel Earth, the Fantastic Four must defend the world against the sinister planet-eating threat known as Galactus…

Review: In such a golden age for superhero storytelling as the one we’re currently experiencing, we have seen all manner of comic book characters successfully adapted for both the big and small screens, from the massive ensemble team-up films to the most obscure characters, who have since become household names. Yet despite numerous attempts, the Fantastic Four has never achieved such success. We have seen the fun but flawed movies of the noughties to the unmitigated disaster that was Fant4stic. You would have been forgiven for thinking that someone had placed a curse on Marvel’s First Family, that they would never get an adaptation that would do them justice. After having done such wonderful work with the first (and you could make the argument for the best) TV show in WandaVision, enter Matt Shakman to well and truly ~~break~~ clobber that curse.

In a futuristic parallel world separate from the main Marvel timeline (Earth-828 to be exact) filled with advanced technology like flying cars and cool personal robot companions like H.E.R.B.I.E (an adorable scene-stealer), we learn through a series of newsreels it has been four years since our titular heroes blasted off into space on a mission where they were exposed to cosmic rays, which granted each of them superhuman powers. The supersmart Reed Richards (Pascal), who can stretch any part of his body, his brilliant wife Sue (Kirby) who can create force fields and turn invisible, Reed’s loyal best friend Ben Grimm (Moss-Bachrach) whose skin has been transformed into orange rock that grants him superstrength and durability. Last but certainly by no means least, Sue’s hot-headed brother Johnny (Quinn) can control fire and fly.

They are the planet’s sole protectors, and through their heroism, they have become celebrities whose ingenuity has enabled advances in technology and brought stability and peace to the world. With Reed and Sue preparing for the life-changing milestone that is parenthood, the four of them must deal with the arrival of the Herald, the Silver Surfer (Garner) who tells them their planet is “marked for death” with the impending arrival of the planet-eater Galactus (Ineson).

After a Phase Five that had some high points and arguably the lowest of the lows for the franchise (looking at you Quantumania), it makes sense to begin Phase Six with something of a reset and to establish Marvel’s first family in their own universe before their world collides with the main timeline as we know it. The script by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan, Eric Pearson and Ian Springer keeps things focused squarely on the quartet and their dynamic, with no chance of any other superhero crashing into this world. There will be plenty of time for that in future Phase Six films. Having seen the origin story done before in the Fox era films, the decision to quickly bypass this allows the film time to explore Reed and Sue’s loving relationship, the camaraderie/playful banter between Johnny and Ben, and indeed, the togetherness and warm family embrace between the entire team is sincere and genuine.

With such pitch-perfect chemistry between the team, it’s a credit to the casting director that they absolutely nailed each casting choice (hurrah that the Oscars will at long last be giving these people their dues in next year’s ceremony). Pascal, continuing his bid for cinematic domination, expertly balances Reed’s intelligence and scientific nous while preparing for the enhanced responsibility of becoming a father. Moss-Bachrach’s Ben, despite his hard-as-rock exterior, comes off as very kind and gentle, particularly when demonstrating his strength to a group of schoolchildren. Quinn as Johnny exudes charm and charisma in flaming abundance. However, the MVP of the team is unquestionably Kirby’s Sue. A woman balancing impending motherhood, a heroic feat of endurance in itself, but all while leading diplomatic efforts on the international stage. This, combined with the true power she possesses, means she is a force to be reckoned with.

Speaking of forces to be reckoned with, while she doesn’t get a vast amount of screentime, the Silver Surfer remains a mysterious presence that Johnny cannot help himself be drawn to. Perhaps in this alternate universe, flames are attracted to metal, or beings with metallic skin? The Surfer, or Shalla-Bal to give her name, gives the team plenty to worry about. Yet, it is the gargantuan cosmic entity Galactus who poses an even greater threat. 2007’s Rise of the Silver Surfer reduced him to a cosmic cloud that feasts on planets. This iteration very much retains his desire to feast on worlds, but through an effective combination of practical costumes, CGI and Ineson’s imposing voice, the menacing factor is turned to the maximum and does justice to a fan favourite.

Having worked wonders with the MCU’s first (and arguably best) TV show, WandaVision, Shakman brings that quirky vision to this universe through some brilliant worldbuilding. The sets of this alternative 1960s New York feel lived-in, and the technological advancements on display are so wonderfully realised, it is almost enough to make you green with envy that such a world doesn’t actually exist. With another fantastic score by Michael Giacchino (seriously, does this man ever miss?) Marvel’s first family have taken their first steps into the MCU, and at long last, have been given their well-deserved moment in the spotlight. Now, all roads lead to Doomsday. Set your countdown clocks accordingly.

With pitch-perfect chemistry between its leads and the perfect retro-futuristic setting to introduce them in, Marvel’s first family’s foray into the wider MCU is a roaring and flaming success!

2020-2029, Film Review

Captain America: Brave New World (2025)

Posted on February 20, 2025May 3, 2025 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

Captain America: Brave New World – Film Review

Cast: Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler

Director: Julius Onah

Synopsis: After an attempt is made on the life of the President of the United States Thaddeus Ross (Ford), Captain America must investigate a conspiracy which threatens to have major international ramifications…

Review: It has been quite the journey for Sam Wilson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since we were first introduced to him as Steve Rogers’ jogging buddy in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Since then, he helped to confront and Steve the nefarious HYRDA, took his friend’s side as the Avengers went to war with themselves, fought in the war against a mad Titan with the fate of the entire universe at stake. It all culminated in the passing of the torch shield to becoming his friend’s successor as Captain America. A mantle he momentarily relinquished before reclaiming what was rightfully his. Now in the wake of the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Sam Wilson is ready to take flight for his first mission, in a film which sadly fails to soar and reach the lofty heights of its predecessors.

It has been a few years since Sam fought with Bucky Barnes to take down the Flag Smashers, and in that time, Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross has been elected as President of the United States. Despite having had their differences in the past, the new man in the Oval Office tasks Cap and the new Falcon Joaquin Torres (Ramirez) to foil an illegal arms deal in the first step of a more collaborative relationship. Ross later informs Sam he wants his help to rebuild the Avengers. During a summit at the White House concerning the emergence of Celestial Island and a rare new material, an attempt is made on the President’s life by veteran super soldier Isiah Bradley (Lumbly). With the US on the brink of a major global conflict, Sam must find out who was behind the attempted assassination of the President and uncover the truth behind this global conspiracy and clear Bradley’s name.

It is no exaggeration to say that in 2025, the world is a fraught and sometimes scary place, with entrenched and bitter political divides showing no signs of easing. In such times, making a tense spy-political thriller is a brave and dangerous move as the film has to navigate such a fraught political metaphorical minefield. However, it is not entirely without precedent, as the Russo brothers and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely successfully tackled similar themes with spectacular success The Winter Soldier and its sequel Civil War. Whether or not you feel the MCU has lost its way since the high of Avengers: Endgame is beside the point, as it was always going to be a tall order for Brave New World to follow in the footsteps of its predecessors.

“You may be Captain America, but you’re not Steve Rogers”, the President scornfully tells Sam after the foiled assassination attempt. “You’re right, I’m not”, Sam sharply retorts. It is a highlight in a film which doesn’t offer many, but also a statement of intent for the new star-spangled man with the shield that he will forge his own legacy as the iconic superhero. In his seventh big screen appearance in this role. Mackie is once again superb. He is fully aware that the legacy of the title he now has comes with an enormous responsibility, at one point grappling with the dilemma as to whether he should have taken the super soldier serum, but this is what makes him more than worthy of that shield. When you have gone up against what he has armed with just a wingsuit, what does he have to fear, especially since now he has the welcome addition of a vibranium shield, and the new Falcon by his side. Although, despite being one of the more interesting parts of the miniseries, Isiah Bradley is once again frustratingly forced to sit in a jail cell, when he really deserves a chance to show what he can do.

The irony is that this script, written by Onah and four other credited writers, could have benefited from some script serum to enhance it and give it some additional polish. One can only speculate, but given certain events that occurred in 2024, it seems that the political themes of the film may have been diluted due to the current state of world politics. In addition to continuing the story established in the preceding miniseries, the film serves as a sequel to both Eternals (good to see this underappreciated film get acknowledged) and The Incredible Hulk, as the villain is a character that audiences may have nearly forgotten. Portraying a role that was successfully played by someone for many years is never an easy task, but Ford does an excellent job as Ross, succeeding the late William Hurt. Along with his signature gruffness, Ross is grappling with the daunting challenge of leading a country on the brink of major conflict while also battling his own internal struggles and trying to reconnect with his daughter, Betty (Tyler). Given the current state of US presidents, especially now, you’d take Ross’s leadership any day of the week.

Despite Ford’s impressive portrayal of Ross and his complex (and possibly red) inner demons, the film’s action, while undeniably slick and well-crafted, fails to bring anything new or memorable to the MCU. It frustratingly adheres to a formulaic structure, which feels like a significant missed opportunity for what could have been a gripping political thriller, similar to its predecessors. The 35th entry into the MCU could have marked a bold new direction for both the star-spangled hero and the wider universe. Instead, it feels tired and stale, as if our titular hero’s wings have been clipped, leaving him unable to rise above this uninspiring and frankly bland story.

Despite stellar performances from Mackie and Ford, with the former more than proving himself worthy of the shield, Brave New World is a political thriller that seems too afraid to go for the jugular in these politically fraught times, while also lacking in thrills.

2020-2029, Film Review

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Posted on July 27, 2024August 8, 2024 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

© Marvel Studios, Maximum Effort and 21 Laps Entertainment

Deadpool & Wolverine – Film Review

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Aaron Stanford, Matthew Macfadyen

Director: Shawn Levy

Synopsis: After retiring as the Merc with a Mouth, Wade Wilson is recruited by the Time Variance Authority (TVA) for an important mission with everything Wade holds dear at stake…

Review: Cast your mind back to Spring 2019, the opening night of Avengers: Endgame. Audiences around the world gasped, applauded and cheered as the culmination of more than ten years of cinematic universe-building came to one almighty and epic finale. It seemed an absolute certainty, at that moment in time, that the popularity of the comic book genre was infinite and would last for generations.

Fast forward five years later, and you can’t move for talk of superhero fatigue, particularly in recent years. While there have been some undoubted misfires (and some other issues offscreen) along the way in its post-Endgame era, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a far cry from the crisis point many would have had you believe. But now, following on from the merger between Fox and Disney, a portal of opportunity has been opened for the X-Men to enter the MCU. Enter the self-anointed “Marvel Jesus” AKA Wade Wilson.

Six years since his time travel shenanigans at the end of Deadpool 2, Wade Wilson has hung up the katanas and retired as the Merc with a Mouth. This is until the Time Variance Authority come knocking and informs Wade that the fate of his universe hangs in the balance and to save it, he must search for a particular individual who could hold the key to saving his world and everything he holds dear, who just so happens to be a certain claw-wielding mutant, albeit from a different timeline.

When it comes to X-Men characters to integrate into the MCU, the extremely hard R-rated, profanity-laden, fourth-wall-breaking Deadpool would seem on paper the most difficult as it sees the studio venturing into uncharted waters. Would the Disney/Fox merger silence Deadpool as he was in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine? Not a fucking chance. Reynolds is once again brilliant in a role he has emphatically made his own and it is hard to imagine seeing anyone else don the red spandex in the future. Talking of characters that actors have made their own, Hugh Jackman did this and more across a 17-year stint and got the perfect send-off with 2017’s Logan. So naturally, fears may have risen that Jackman’s emotional swansong in the role would be undone with his decision to don the claws once more. Fear not, because this multiverse phase of the MCU allows Jackman to return in a way which enables these two to go on an adventure together, without rendering his emotional sacrifice irrelevant. An adventure, the details of which shall not be divulged here, but suffice to say, with Deadpool’s wisecrack penchant for wisecracks and pop culture references, combined with Wolverine’s gruffness and zero tolerance for bullshit, it makes for a perfect comedy duo, though only one of them is having any sort of fun.

As great as it is to see these two share a screen together, the overall plot is a bit threadbare and the multiversal shenanigans in which they get involved get a bit messy. With five credited writers (Reynolds, Levy, Zeb Wells and returning writers Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese), it is a case of too many screenwriters convolute the page as multiversal shenanigans are nothing new, and this film does little to differentiate itself from that. A trend in recent MCU history has been to delve into the past to provide easter eggs in the form of cameos. Sometimes they can drive the plot forward, but on other occasions, they can be little more than nostalgia/ fan service. More the latter rather than the former in this case frustratingly as it means Cassandra Nova (Corrin), the sister to a certain Charles Xavier and the antagonist at the centre of this adventure, lacks the sufficient screentime to show what a menacing threat she could be. Corrin does their best with the material they are given, but ultimately Cassandra becomes the latest victim of the MCU villain curse.

With this being the third film he has worked on with Reynolds since 2021’s Free Guy and 2022’s The Adam Project, Levy slots right in seamlessly to the director’s chair. The action scenes are bloody and glorious to watch, with many needle drops that are sure to give these songs a resurgence in popularity. Prior to its release, the 34th film in the MCU was seen as a film to rejuvenate the universe to which audiences had seemingly grown tired and disinterested. It might not necessarily be the ultimate slam dunk many would have wanted it to be, but when the cast is clearly having this much of a hoot with the multiversal mayhem, sometimes you simply have to just suit up and enjoy the ride. Let’s. Fucking. Go.

Despite some narrative bumps along the way, Deadpool & Wolverine relies on the charisma, passion and energy with which its two leads have poured into their characters over the years, along with some glorious bloody violence which will leave you more than entertained. Maximum effort.

2020-2029, Film Review

The Marvels (2023)

Posted on November 11, 2023November 12, 2023 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

The Marvels – Film Review

Cast: Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani, Zawe Ashton, Park Seo-joon, Samuel L. Jackson, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapoor, Saagar Shaikh

Director: Nia DaCosta

Synopsis: Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel and Monica Rambeau team up after their powers become entangled…

Review: Avengers: Endgame, a crowning moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), concluded the Infinity Saga after ten years of building an all-encompassing cinematic universe. However, in the years since, the once-untouchable studio has had a few misfires. Such was the rarity of these prior to Endgame, that questions began to be asked as to whether the studio’s best days were behind it or whether audiences are indeed suffering from superhero fatigue. The jury is out regarding the former, and the case certainly can be made for the latter. However, coming off the high of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3, it is clear Marvel’s ability to entertain and provide an endless amount of fun for two hours or thereabouts remains very much intact.

Set after the events of WandaVision and Ms. Marvel, Carol Danvers, AKA Captain Marvel (Larson) is exploring a mysterious wormhole “jump point” in the deep of space where she realises, she switches places first with Kamala Khan AKA Ms. Marvel (Vellani) and also Monica Rambeau, the daughter of Carol’s best friend Maria. Deducing that the reason for the switcheroo is because of their mutual light-based powers, the three women team up to establish who or what is causing their powers to be entangled and in so doing discover a plot devised by the new Kree leader Dar-Benn (Ashton) to harness energy from other worlds to restore her home planet from the brink of destruction..

Even before any hint or suggestion of superhero fatigue had begun to set in, there has been an unconscionable level of backlash from certain sections of the internet directed towards this film since it was announced. The criticism largely stems from the decision to cast three women in the lead roles. Team-ups have been aplenty throughout the history of MCU, from small pairings such as The Revengers to the massive ensemble teams featuring the likes of Earth’s mightiest heroes and the Guardians. Yet, none of those had quite the absurd level of backlash. More fool them because you can add this trio of powerful women to that marvellous list.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the film’s brightest spark and the reason you should go out and watch this film is the chemistry between these three superpowered women. The performances of all three leads are wonderful to watch and the chemistry between them is fizzing with an abundance of palpable cosmic energy. Kamala Khan, in particular, exudes such joyous and blissfully happy emotion at getting the chance to partner with her idol that it is impossible not to love her, and she steals the entire show. Of course, Monica does not share such overwhelming adulation for Carol given the tragic fate her mother Maria endured and for not being there when she promised, which adds a complex emotional layer to the dynamic of the team.

The screenplay by Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell, and Elissa Karasik shines when focusing on the relationships between these superheroes. Witnessing them share the screen and kick ass provides delightful popcorn entertainment at its best. The ensuing adventure which takes the trio across a plethora of unique worlds all in search of the villainous Dar-Benn is and to stop her from targeting the natural resources of these worlds. DaCosta (the first black woman to direct an MCU film) stamps her authority on the action scenes and injects them with an effervescent and joyous energy. Furthermore, at just over 100 minutes, the pacing is kept tight and whooshes by, which is befitting for a film featuring a character who can travel faster than the speed of light.

While it is extremely fun to watch, the script does have its flaws with a plot involving possible talks regarding a peace treaty between the Kree and the Skrulls – previously seen throughout the MCU in other projects such as The Guardians of the Galaxy, Secret Invasion and of course, the original Captain Marvel – coming to an abrupt before it really got going. By keeping the pacing so laser-focused, there’s not much time to expand on Dar-Benn’s motivations, which could have made her a far more compelling antagonist. Zawe Ashton gives everything she has to make her a formidable adversary, but like so many MCU villains before her, she is not developed beyond her revenge-driven goals and fails to leave a lasting impression.

Given the MCU was riding higher, further and faster than all its competitors trying to build their own cinematic universes, cracks in the armour were bound to appear sooner or later. The recent projects, released in the last two years, have widened the cracks in the MCU’s armour, bringing the franchise back down to earth.. However, with the last adventure with the Guardians and now this utterly delightful team-up, there is every indication that the studio has learnt from its mistakes and paid heed to the criticism which has been levelled at it in recent years. Hopefully, as Phase 5 continues to progress, it will prove that its recent wobbles were a mere bump in the road and is ready to fly high and regain its former glory.

After an emotional last ride with the Guardians, this latest team-up is just what the MCU needed to get back on track, in no small part thanks to the palpable chemistry of its leading ladies and DaCosta’s vibrant direction. Naysayers be damned!

2020-2029, Film Review

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Posted on May 5, 2023April 30, 2025 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 – Film Review

Cast: Chris Pratt, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, Elizabeth Debicki, Maria Bakalova, Sylvester Stallone

Director: James Gunn

Synopsis: The Guardians of the Galaxy are put in a perilous predicament when their base, and one of their own, comes under attack…

Review: It seemed unthinkable back in 2014 that a film based on a very obscure comic, which featured a sentient raccoon and a talking tree, could have been such a runaway success and brought a new dimension to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Aided by a banging soundtrack, perfectly well-drawn characters who developed a strong sense of camaraderie, along with humour and heart, this is precisely what James Gunn brought to the table when the first Guardians of the Galaxy film blasted its way into cinemas. A sequel was inevitable, which had its moments but fell short of reaching the lofty heights set by its predecessor. Following on from their team-up with Earth’s mightiest heroes, a holiday special, and amid a rocky road to the big screen following the initial firing and subsequent rehiring of Gunn, everyone’s favourite team of rag-tag, lovable outlaws-turned-heroes is back for one last emotional adventure.

The Guardians, Star-Lord (Pratt), Drax (Bautista), Nebula (Gillan), Mantis (Klementieff), Rocket (Cooper) and Groot (Diesel), have established their base on Knowhere and are enjoying a rare moment of peace after their years of saving the galaxy from an assortment of creatures, from a living planet to the Mad Titan Thanos. Star-Lord (Pratt), in particular, is still reeling from the loss of his lover Gamora after Thanos sacrificed her and is spending a lot of his time drowning his sorrows. Their brief respite from galaxy-saving is halted when their base comes under attack from a terrifying new threat, putting the lives of specific members in immediate peril. Forced to regroup and assess the new threat they face, the Guardians set out on a deeply personal quest (which sees them cross paths with alternate-timeline Gamora) to find out who is targeting them and neutralise them before they bring about the end of the team as we know it.

Right from the moment we first met them as an out-of-sorts bunch of criminals who became the galaxy’s defenders, there has been an ever-present strong sense of camaraderie between this unlikely team of eccentric beings from all over the galaxy, a togetherness arguably stronger than any other team-up in the MCU to date. They were united by a common bond of being looked down on by the galaxy for one reason or another, which drew them closer together and made them a family, just not one related by blood. Having gone off to work with DC to give their equivalent to the Guardians some CPR, while his situation with Marvel was up in the air, Gunn’s screenplay continues to build on the strength of the togetherness and bonds that this team have built over the years, especially for a mission where the stakes are just as high when compared to the previous two films, but for a very different reason this time around. No spoilers to be found here, but while Vol. 2 explored Star Lord’s origins at length, this time around, as Gunn himself admitted, the key motivation for coming back to conclude the trilogy was to finish telling Rocket’s story.

The examination of this origin story, and the deeply personal nature of the ensuing mission make it the most personal film for the team, and by extension for Gunn himself. A recurring theme which has been recurring throughout the franchise is the idea that everyone deserves a second chance, and Gunn emphatically drives this point home here. There’s lots of emotion at stake here, not just for the Guardians who are fighting to save one of their own but are coming up against by far their most compelling antagonist yet in the High Evolutionary, portrayed terrifyingly by Chukwudi Iwuji. To say this guy has an ego (no, not that one) would be an extreme understatement. He is obsessed with creating essentially a utopia, to the extent that he will stop at nothing with experimentation, and Rocket is the key to all of his plans. The film goes into detail with the backstory of how Rocket came to be the lovable and awesome badass that he is, which isn’t afraid to explore some thought-provoking and heavy themes, and also really packs an emotional punch. Every character gets their moment to shine, but make no mistake, this movie belongs to Rocket.

The film is a little rough around the edges in places and could have benefited from a little bit of fine-tuning to trim down its two-and-a-half-hour runtime. However, given the status of this concluding chapter was up in the air for so long and there were real question marks as to whether Gunn would get to close out this chapter, those can be forgiven, especially when the characters have established this deep bond, not only as a team but with the audience themselves. Gunn’s attention now turns to DC to oversee the revamp of its own cinematic universe, but this franchise has always been his baby. Therefore, after nine years since we first (fooled around) and fell in love with these characters, the impact they have had on the MCU is immeasurable, and it is immensely satisfying to see Gunn close this chapter of the galaxy’s favourite bunch of a-holes in mighty fine style.

Easily the most personal story in the trilogy, Vol. 3 combines the humour, action and establishes a deeply felt unity and togetherness like no other Marvel team-up. A fittingly awesome and emotional send-off for the galaxy’s favourite collection of misfits-turned-heroes.

2020-2029, Film Review

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Posted on November 27, 2022April 17, 2025 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Film Review

Cast: Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Dominique Thorne, Florence Kasumba, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman

Director: Ryan Coogler

Synopsis: Following the passing of King T’Challa, the nation of Wakanda finds itself increasingly isolated and weakened as it faces a new threat in the form of Namor, the leader of an all-powerful underwater nation…

Review: It would be something of an understatement to say making a film is a massive undertaking which requires a herculean amount of effort from a troop of people both in front of and behind the camera, especially for a tentpole blockbuster. However, for the sequel to 2018’s phenomenally successful Black Panther, the typical challenges facing the cast and crew were compounded by the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman in 2020. The passing of the man who brought so much to a role which meant so much to millions of fans across the world, it begged the question as to how on earth could director Ryan Coogler and his crew overcome such a heartbreaking loss? It is therefore to their immense credit that they have overcome the most devastating of obstacles to produce a film which not only beautifully honours Boseman’s legacy but delivers a worthy sequel to one of the best films in the MCU.

The nation of Wakanda finds itself in mourning after their beloved King T’Challa dies from a mysterious illness. One year later, after a funeral and a beautiful celebration of his life, his sister Shuri (Wright) is struggling to come to terms with her loss and chooses to keep herself occupied with the Wakandan technology she pioneered. However, Wakanda finds itself under increasing scrutiny from the rest of the world, which wants to see the country share its resources, most notably vibranium, putting pressure on Ramonda (Bassett), who has become Queen following T’Challa’s passing. However, the Wakandans face a further challenge when they encounter the ruthless Namor (Huerta), the leader of the underwater nation of Talokan, who is determined to wage war on all of the countries on the surface.

The task facing Coogler and his fellow screenwriter Joe Robert Cole to honour the legacy of Boseman in this sequel was an unenviable one, to say the least. Death is something we as human beings will all have to grapple with at some point in our lives. The grief and personal pain we experience when someone we love departs this world varies from person to person, and the screenplay offers a profoundly moving story which analyses how the grief and pain we endure manifests itself in individuals, whilst simultaneously illustrating the power of communities coming together to pay their respects to those who have passed on. It enables the performances of the characters, especially those of Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett, to flourish as their grief over the loss of their brother and son is raw, powerful and extremely emotional. We, as the audience, are grieving for them, and with them. As a result, their stories understandably take centre stage, but it does mean returning characters such as Nakia (Nyong’o), Okoye (Guiria), and M’Baku (Duke) feel somewhat underutilised.

Aside from the deeply personal tragedies facing its characters, in the same vein as its predecessor, Wakanda Forever also brilliantly factors geopolitical issues into its story. The first film grappled with Wakanda’s decision to hide itself and its resources away from the rest of the world. However, without their ruler and protector, the Wakandans are much more vulnerable, and this is something the rest of the world is keen to exploit. Consequently, this only causes Wakanda to find itself increasingly more isolated, which is where Namor, the leader of the underwater nation of Talokan comes in. In the same vein as Killmonger, Namor is a compelling villain with a fascinating backstory. He too leads a nation which is isolated from the rest of the world, but one which is also steeped with resources and considerable military strength, which makes for a fascinating dynamic between Namor and the Wakandans, and Huerta’s performance is extremely captivating.

Returning costume designer Ruth Carter and production designer Hannah Beachler once again do a magnificent job of bringing Wakanda and Talokan to life, and while the first film’s cinematographer Rachel Morrison does not return for the sequel, Loki cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw steps up to the plate magnificently. The film can feel a little long in places and certain aspects of the film could arguably have been left on the cutting room floor. However, after the last few MCU films have been grappling with the concept of the multiverse and lots of big CGI battles, it is a refreshing change of pace to see Wakanda Forever dial this back to allow the characters and their journeys to take centre stage. This isn’t to say that there is no CGI battle, because it would not be an MCU film without one, and Coogler’s direction remains marvellous and the visual effects have considerably improved this time around.

It is next to impossible to imagine how tough it must have been for the cast and crew every day during production. However, in the face of such devastating tragedy, they have ensured Phase 4 of the MCU closes with one of its best films and serves as a fitting dedication to the legacy of Chadwick Boseman, who through his immense body of work, will live on in the hearts and minds of millions of fans forever.

Through unimaginably difficult circumstances, Wakanda Forever is a moving sequel, delivering a poignant reflection on grief and tragedy while serving as a beautiful and emotional tribute to the wonderful legacy of Chadwick Boseman.

2020-2029, Film Review

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Film Review

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, Rachel McAdams

Director: Sam Raimi

Synopsis: After an encounter with a girl who has the ability to travel in between different multiverses, Doctor Strange begins to fully grapple with the concept of the multiverse and the horrors it could unleash….

This review will be 100% spoiler-free…

Review: The Marvel Cinematic Universe has become such a gargantuan cinematic juggernaut of an impressively inter-woven universe that has successfully tackled a plethora of different genres across 28 different films. However, despite all of its incredible accomplishments, there is one particular genre that (for understandable reasons) the MCU has avoided tackling, and that is horror. Multiple projects of Phase Four have established the multiverse as a central aspect to their stories, and an endless number of doors have simultaneously been opened for Marvel in Phase Four and beyond. Now, with the Multiverse in full swing, it has allowed Marvel to fully embrace this concept, and what better director to bring this to life, than Sam Raimi.

Following on from the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Dr Stephen Strange is beginning to grapple with the multiverse and all of its infinite possibilities. Whilst at the wedding of his former co-worker and one-time love interest Christine (McAdams) he encounters a girl named America Chavez (Gomez) who has the power to travel in-between multiverses. Strange quickly realises that with the scope of her powers, it is extremely likely that some dangerous individuals will soon be making their play, wanting her power for their own ends. Fearing the consequences if that came to pass, he seeks the help of someone else who has knowledge of the multiverse, Wanda Maximoff (Olsen), to help protect America and prevent her power from falling into the wrong hands.

In what is his sixth time playing the ex-Sorceror Supreme, Benedict Cumberbatch once again excels in the role. It is clear when we meet him that this is a man with a lot on his mind, especially since he played such an integral role along with Spider-Man (remember him?) in establishing the multiverse and all of its perils as a very real danger to the world that he is sworn to protect. Furthermore, even though his actions helped restore the universe to undo the consequences of the Blip, there are some decisions that Strange is grappling with. Most notably, concerning his one-time flame Christine. However, with the arrival of America Chavez, Strange knows that he cannot afford to dwell on the past, because dangers both old and new, are threatening to reap unimaginable destruction on not just our world, but every world out there. Given how central her character is to the film, Xochitl Gomez brings likeability, fearlessness and determination to the role of America Chavez, and she stands toe to toe with the experienced MCU regulars.

While Cumberbatch excels, the even bigger star of the show here is Olsen’s latest portrayal of Wanda Maximoff. The events of WandaVision gave Olsen a chance to dive deep and fully explore the tragedy of this character. Having seen what her life could have been through those alternate realities, this is a woman who is on a deeply personal mission. Now fully embracing her Scarlet Witch mantra and fuelled by a frightening combination of rage, grief and heartache for her long lost family, it enables Olsen to demonstrate a side to Wanda that’s unlike anything we’ve seen before, an extremely powerful being who’s more than capable of giving any character in this universe a run for their money, and more than likely, a good arse-kicking.

With his experience with both the realm of Marvel with the original Spider-Man trilogy, along with the Evil Dead trilogy that launched his career as a director, it is fantastic to see Sam Raimi back in the director’s chair after a nearly decade long hiatus since his last project in 2013. The visual effects wizards once again bring the magic when it comes to the actions scenes, but it is no coincidence that with Raimi at the helm, the film really pushes the boundaries of the 12A/PG 13 rating, in a way that the MCU has never done up to this point. Some scenes definitely have a more noticeably horror movie element to them, and are much more violent. It could have been a match made in multiversal heaven. However, it’s really disappointing that Michael Waldron’s (who wrote the Disney+ TV show Loki) screenplay quickly becomes very convoluted and is filled with a frustrating amount of exposition that really drags the film down, with certain scenes serving as little more than fan service that doesn’t drive the plot forward.

With a title like In the Multiverse of Madness, audiences would surely have expected a thrilling ride that delves deep into the madness of the concept of a multiverse, especially given what the MCU has already explored with the concept thus far. Yet, the reality is that what’s presented here only really scratches the surface of what it could have explored in the 126 minute run time. Multiversal shenanigans are enjoying an unprecedented spell of popularity at this moment in time, and the potential was there for another great entry into this particular sub-genre. Yet, even with the recruitment of Raimi, not even his wizardry can conjure away the feeling that this is a massive missed opportunity.

It’s a joy to see Sam Raimi return to the realm of superhero filmmaking. Though, even with him working his magic, this multiversal adventure never fully lives up to the potential teased by its bonkers title.

2020-2029, Film Review

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Posted on December 30, 2021January 1, 2022 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

**© Marvel Studios, Sony and Columbia Pictures**

Spider-Man: No Way Home – Film Review

Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Marisa Tomei, J. B. Smoove, Benedict Wong, Jamie Foxx, Alfred Molina, Willem Dafoe

Director: Jon Watts

Synopsis: After his identity is revealed to the world, Peter Parker asks for the help of Doctor Strange in a desperate attempt to make everyone forget he is Spider-Man…

This review will be 100% spoiler-free…

Review: Back in 2019, when Marvel Studios released Avengers: Endgame to the world, it was the crowning and unprecedented achievement of a decade-long cinematic adventure. Unlike anything that had ever been accomplished before in cinematic history it broke box office records, and – for a time – held the title of the highest-grossing film of all time. After the conclusion of that thrilling journey, Marvel would have been forgiven for spending five or so years to take stock of what they’ve achieved. The pandemic might have forced them to wait a bit, but this year Marvel have gone full steam ahead with the continuation of their Cinematic Universe. Phase 4 is beginning to take shape, and now, perhaps the biggest film of this phase thus far, and certainly the biggest since Endgame, has arrived.

Set immediately after the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Spider-Man’s identity has, thanks to Quentin Beck/Mysterio been revealed to the world. Consequently, Peter’s whole life has been turned upside down. With his identity now a known fact, it’s having an adverse impact on the lives of his family and friends as well. Desperate for help, he turns to Doctor Strange and asks him to cast a spell that makes the world forget his secret identity. However, when Peter attempts to tamper with the spell, it goes horribly wrong and unleashes the Multiverse, as hinted at in Disney+’s Loki. The Multiverse is something that they know, as Strange puts it, “frighteningly little about.” The corrupted spell causes strange visitors and foes from different universes to arrive in our world, and it’s up to Peter to stop them and send them back to their own realities.

After two MCU Spider-Man films that very much dealt with the impact that Tony Stark/Iron Man had on Peter Parker and his early career as everyone’s friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, this concluding chapter is a welcome departure from that. With Iron Man having passed on, it’s left Peter Parker with no choice but to grow up, stand on his own two feet and wrestle with the fallout from his identity being revealed. Though that’s all with the help of a certain magic Sorcerer, who thankfully is not predictably stepping up to the mentor void left by Iron Man. Tom Holland has proven himself to be a fan favourite in this role with his numerous appearances across the MCU, but it’s here which he gives his absolute best performance. Being the hero that he is, there’s a lot resting on his shoulders, to save the world and to also protect those he cares about from being harmed by his mistakes.

Having seen a previous, and beautifully animated, Spider-Man film brilliantly using the concept of a Multiverse; screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers had the unenviable task of adapting the Multiverse into this iteration of the character. They also had to make this third MCU Spider-Man film live up to the lofty expectations that fans had hoisted upon the film from its announcement. Depending on what you have seen in the build-up to the film, it may or may not live up to those expectations. The first act is a little rough to start off with, but once we get to the tampered spell, and the opening up of the multiverse the film finds its feet. Previous Spidey films have often been left to rue their mistakes when one too many villains get dragged into the picture, and the plot as a result gets severely messy. Thankfully, lightning doesn’t strike twice – or perhaps thrice – here as director Jon Watts is able to weave all these threads into a satisfying narrative that never feels as bloated as a Russian rhinoceros.

It would be easy to see this film as nothing more than just an enormous helping of fan service. While it is most certainly true in that regard, it does definitely have its moments that will undoubtedly please long-time fans of this character. However, it doesn’t negate what matters most to the character of Peter Parker, and the core values that the revered hero stands for. The character is one that has been a favourite for generations of comic book fans and thanks to our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, Phase 4 of the MCU has now opened the multiverse good and proper, and the possibilities that brings are plentiful and very very fantastic.

Juggling a lot of different plot webs has proven to be a stumbling block before, but with a career-best performance from Holland and an excellent cast of supporting characters, this Spider-Man threequel triumphantly swings its way to success.

2020-2029, Film Review

Eternals (2021)

Posted on December 4, 2021December 10, 2021 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

Eternals – Film Review

Cast: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lia McHugh, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Ridloff, Barry Keoghan, Don Lee, Harish Patel, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, Angelina Jolie

Director: Chloé Zhao

Synopsis: A group of immortal beings, known as the Eternals, are sent to planet Earth to protect humanity from an evil race of aliens known as the Deviants…

Review: When you have created an all-encompassing cinematic universe that has spanned over a decade and 25 films, making cinematic history along the way. There does come a point for Marvel Studios, where they will need to think about, where do they go from here? When you’ve created a universe that has conquered all before it, how do you reinvent the wheel and keep things fresh and interesting for audiences to maintain interest in the universe going forward? Well, the answer seems to be, hire the most recent Academy Award winner for Best Director, and introduce a brand new crop of characters.

7000 years ago, a group of all-powerful beings known as the Celestials, created a powerful race of beings called the Eternals and sent them to Earth to protect humanity from their Celestial’s evil counterparts, known as the Deviants. For millennia, the Eternals have been watching from the sidelines, protecting humanity from any Deviant attacks. As they watch from the sidelines, some begin to develop a fondness for humanity. Yet, they have been under strict instructions to not interfere in any human conflict, unless the Deviants are involved. This all changes when an event known as The Emergence threatens to bring about unprecedented destruction, the Eternals must unite to prevent humanity’s destruction.

From the opening crawl, akin to something out of Star Wars, this film is in every sense, a brand new chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What they accomplished with the first three Phases of their Universe is undeniably incredible and nothing can take that away from them. However, that era of Marvel has come to a close, and with this film, this feels like they are in many senses, starting fresh. All franchises that go on for any length of time will inevitably develop a formula. While that formula has served the MCU so successfully over the years, there was a need to step away from it. To its credit, Eternals tries extremely hard to deviate from that, with varying degrees of success.

Fresh from her Oscar triumphs With Nomadland, a film that shined a light on a group of people who are cut adrift from society, whilst touching on themes of finding a belonging. Chloé Zhao’s Oscar winner touched on themes of individuals who have found themselves cut adrift from society, roaming from place to place, without somewhere to call home. This is a theme that feels very much relevant to the Eternals. They watch humanity from afar, intervening only when they must. The first two acts of the film where the Eternals are battling with this dilemma of interfering or not when it comes to human conflicts is compelling because, like most things in our lives, there is a difference of opinion amongst these incredibly powerful beings.

What Eternals brings to the table is an extremely rich and diverse cast, filled with extremely talented actors. The most memorable of these are Gemma Chan’s Sersi and Angelina Jolie’s Thena. Sersi is very much the leader of the Eternals and Chan’s performance is easily the most memorable. For Thena, there’s a fascinating internal struggle that she’s battling with, and it makes for an intriguing relationship between her and the rest of the Eternals as she battles to control that. On top of which, the film doesn’t shy away from diversity. There’s a landmark moment for LGBT representation, the very first ever sex scene, and the MCU’s very first superhero with a disability in Lauren Ridloff’s Makkari as both the actor and the character are deaf.

Unfortunately, because there are so many new characters that are appearing on screen together for the first time, developing all of them is a near enough impossible task to fit into a two-and-a-half-hour film, even for a director as talented as Zhao is. Some characters have barely any depth or personality. As such, it gives the audience little reason to care about them, as there is no emotional connection that has been built up over many years of different MCU films. Plus, as different as the film tries to be from all the previous MCU films that came before it, some familiar MCU tropes are present. Credit where credit is due for the screenplay’s ambition and scope. However, you cannot help but wonder if, had these characters been introduced via a TV show, it might have been better suited to give all these brand new characters sufficient time to make an impact.

Chloe Zhao works magic by bringing the humanity to these incredibly powerful beings. However, while it is to be commended, the ambition of introducing so many new characters in one go prevents the film from truly soaring.

2020-2029, Film Review

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Posted on September 17, 2021September 17, 2021 by Martin: Through the Silver Screen

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – Film Review

Cast: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Synopsis: After living many years living a normal life in the USA, martial artist Shang-Chi (Liu) is forced to confront his past and his father’s organisation, The Ten Rings…

Review: In the years since the Marvel Cinematic Universe has taken over Hollywood, producing a remarkable interconnected universe, and smashing records here, there and everywhere, there has been no shortage of remarkable accomplishments and awards. Yet, there have also been historic and ground-breaking moments in terms of representation along the way. First there was Black Panther that was the first MCU film to feature a predominantly Black cast that celebrated Black culture. Then came Captain Marvel, which marked the first female-directed and driven film in the franchise. And now, the all-conquering juggernaut that is the MCU, has now provided us with its first Asian lead superhero film, alongside a predominantly Asian led cast.

Shang-Chi is a skilled martial arts warrior who spent his early life growing up in the shadow of his father Wenwu (Leung)’s organisation The Ten Rings. Wenwu is in possession of ten mystical and magical rings that grant him incredible power and immortality. With this incredible power in his possession, he has conquered pretty much anything and everything in his path over a great period of time. Also, in that time he raised a family, and put his children through rigorous and intense training. However, his son Shang-Chi has been for many years on a different path. Namely, the path of a normal life in the USA, working as a valet alongside his best friend Katy (Awkwafina). Until one day, his past catches up with him and he realises he can no longer escape his father’s shadow, coming face to face with his father once again.

To be tasked with the leading role in the first Asian led MCU film is a massive responsibility to have on the shoulders of the actor in question, especially if this is your first leading role in one of the biggest franchises in the world currently, such as the MCU. Fortunately, Simu Liu proves to be a perfect choice to play the titular role, as he has the charisma needed to carry the film on his shoulders. While Shang-Chi is unquestionably an extremely skilled warrior and martial arts expert, unlike say, a Tony Stark, there’s no arrogance or cockiness to him, he’s very humble and grounded. Alongside Shang-Chi is his best friend Katy, who is initially completely unaware of her friend’s past as a fierce warrior. Any MCU film is guaranteed to have a substantial amount of comedy, and a lot of this comes through Katy. The role of a comedy sidekick is one that Awkwafina has played before, and once again she’s perfect at it.

In a similar vein to Black Panther, there is a core of badass and powerful women alongside Shang-Chi. As well as Katy, Meng’er Zhang as Shang-Chi’s sister Xu Xialing threatens to steal the show from her brother. A feat that is all the more impressive when you consider that this is her first foray into the world of acting. Fala Chen and Michelle Yeoh may not have the most screen time, but both use the short amount of screen time they do have to wonderful effect. Marvel villains can often fall short of being memorable, or indeed not very threatening. This is most assuredly not the case with Tony Leung’s Wenwu. Right from the moment he’s on screen, armed with these powerful rings, he’s a very formidable foe who makes his presence known. However, there’s a lot more to his character than just being a skilled warrior in possession of ten magical rings. At the core of his character, is a desire to reconnect with his long lost children, and it represents the crucial emotional core that’s central to the story.

It is crystal clear that the iconic martial arts films of the past serve as an inspiration for the action scenes. Director Destin Daniel Cretton and the stunt teams here are paying the utmost respect to the Martial arts films of the past that inspired them. Consequently, there is a unique flair to some of the action scenes that’s never been captured in previous MCU films. While this is consistently maintained throughout, it does get to a point where the action becomes an abundance of CGI, particularly in the third act. This is not a bad thing by any means, due to the fact that emotional investment in the journey of these characters is strong. Yet, given how common it has become in superhero films, it is something that like to see superhero films move away from. Nevertheless, in the same way that Black Panther irrevocably changed the MCU forever, Shang-Chi is poised to follow suit by being a massive step forward for wider representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.