Category Archives: Movies

All Posts, Movies

The Wonder Netflix Review: Faith, Famine, and Florence Pugh Doing What She Does Best

Leave a comment

If you’ve ever watched a Florence Pugh movie, you know she doesn’t do simple at all. 

Instead, almost all her movie roles from her haunting performance in Midsommar to her captivating the audience in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer proves that her entire schtick is raw, layered, complicated. In true Pugh fashion, The Wonder on Netflix is all of that and more. 

So, let’s break down this gem of a movie from its weird beginning to that perfect ending that everyone can’t seem to stop talking about.

The Wonderful Storyline of The Wonder 

Set in Ireland in 1862, which is basically when the Great Famine had a huge hold on the country, Florence Pugh plays English nurse Lib Wright. She has been sent to a small, suspicious village to observe a young girl, Anna O’Donnell (played by the incredible Kíla Lord Cassidy), who claims she hasn’t eaten in four months.

The townsfolk call Anna a miracle, the church sees her as a sign from God, but Lib, being the practical English nurse that she was, thought all of that was just pure balderdash (see what I did there?)

To Lib, Anna was a medical mystery—or maybe a tragedy waiting to happen. Her job is to watch the girl for two weeks and report her findings. Of course, things get complicated fast. The deeper Lib digs, the less sense anything makes and the harder it becomes to separate truth from belief.

Florence Pugh Is the Whole Show

As with nearly every other movie in her discography, I think it’s safe to say that the entirety of The Wonder Netflix sits on Florence Pugh’s shoulders, and she carries it really well. As Lib, she’s sharp, skeptical, and heartbreakingly human. You can see every ounce of her inner conflict: her frustration, her guilt, her exhaustion, just in the way she breathes.

Lib’s nights are a haze of laudanum (a mix of alcohol and opium), which she drinks to dull old pain. She pricks her finger for blood before bed, almost like she’s checking if she’s still alive. It’s weirdly poetic—and very Pugh.

The cast of The Wonder Netflix adds to the movie’s eerie magic. Young Kíla Lord Cassidy is haunting as Anna. She could be calm one minute and terrifyingly devoted the next. Her real-life mom, Elaine Cassidy, plays her mother in the film, and that chemistry shows. Tom Burke (The Souvenir) shows up as William, a journalist who becomes Lib’s unlikely ally. And then there’s Niamh Algar, who bookends the story as both character and narrator—and she absolutely nails it.

Faith and the Lies We Tell Ourselves

About halfway through the movie, Lib figures out what’s really going on. It turns out that Anna’s mother has been secretly feeding her daughter by mouth—literally transferring chewed food through a kiss. It’s disturbing (and honestly disgusting, if you ask me) but it makes sense. That’s the only way Anna was able to survive that long without eating. And when Lib forbids the mother from visiting, Anna’s health spirals very fast.

Even with proof, nobody wants to believe the miracle isn’t real. The priest, the villagers, even Anna’s family; they all cling to the story because it’s more comforting than the truth. That’s when you realize what The Wonder is really about. It’s about how far people will go to protect the stories that give their lives meaning. Faith can keep people alive, but it can also destroy them.

The Perfect Ending Everyone Deserved And Got!

Okay, here’s The Wonder Netflix explained in plain English. Lib decides that if stories can kill, they can also save. So she makes up a new one. She tells Anna she can die—but be reborn as someone new, free from the pain and guilt she’s been carrying.

Lib fakes Anna’s death, burns down the family’s cottage to cover her tracks, and, with the help of the Journalist, sneaks the girl away to Australia under a new identity: Nan. The last shot shows them at a dinner table, finally eating together, alive and free.

Why The Wonder Netflix Is Worth Watching

Now, The Wonder isn’t a movie for when you’re half-asleep or multitasking. It’s this sort of deeply atmospheric movie that requires your full attention. The cinematography makes Ireland look both breathtaking and haunted. The sound design; creaking floors, whispered prayers and faint wind,  keeps you tense even when nothing particularly “big” is happening.

But when it does hit, it hits hard. The incredible direction by Director Sebastián Lelio (who gave us A Fantastic Woman, by the way) combined with Pugh’s emotional gravity, turns what could have been a historical curiosity into something painfully human.

So, is The Wonder Netflix movie worth your two hours? Absolutely! Florence Pugh gives another powerhouse performance, and Sebastián Lelio crafts something that feels like both a dream and a warning. You’ll walk away thinking about faith, storytelling, and the fine line between devotion and delusion.

All Posts, Blog, Movies

Is Fantastic Four (2025) Marvel’s Best Comeback Yet?

Leave a comment

After what seems like 123,456,789 attempts at trying to make the perfect Fantastic Four movie, Marvel may have finally gotten it right. 

The cinematic universe has somehow remembered that this story was never about dark realism or angsty heroes. It’s about a weird, lovable make-shift family of superpowered nerds trying to keep it together.

And it is glorious!

The Fantastic 4 Movies Across The Years

Marvel has had a rough couple of years: a few hits, too many misses, and fans starting to drift away from the cinematic universe as a whole. But Fantastic Four (2025) feels like a creative reset. It’s not trying too hard to connect to twenty other films or shove in cameos. It’s just telling a good story with charm, humor, and a genuine sense of fun.

Back to the Sixties (Kind Of)

This version, titled Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025), throws the audience into a retro-futurist New York (think 1960s sci-fi with flying cars and round TVs). It’s nostalgic, colorful, and weird (which is honestly very fitting for the storyline, to be honest.)

In the movie, Pedro Pascal graces the screen once again, but this time as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic). 

This time around, however, Reed isn’t your typical brooding genius. Instead, he’s awkward, warm, and often hilariously overconfident. Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm (the Invisible Woman) is, in Gen Z speak, “MOTHER.” She brings calm to the chaos, balancing Reed’s restless energy with wit, strength, and insane amount of aura.

Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) is pure charisma as the Human Torch, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, the rock-skinned Thing, is a total scene-stealer. His dry humor and heart make him one of Marvel’s most endearing characters in years. Together, they’re messy, relatable, and incredibly fun to watch, kind of like The Incredibles met I Love Lucy on caffeine.

Cosmic Chaos: Silver Surfer and Galactus

Then comes the cosmic curveball. Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer enters like a ghostly ballet dancer on a board of light. The Fantastic Four (2025) Silver Surfer scenes are visually stunning and emotionally charged which helps to add real depth to the story. And right behind her looms Galactus. Ralph Ineson’s deep, bone-rattling voice gives the gives the planet-eating giant a terrifying, godlike presence. The Fantastic Four (2025) Galactus sequence turns the movie’s energy up to eleven. It is massive, dramatic, and visually jaw-dropping in that classic Marvel way.

Now let’s talk about that scene—the Fantastic Four Dr Doom scene. No spoilers, but it’s easily one of the coolest post-credit moments Marvel’s pulled off in a long time. It’s just a glimpse, but that’s all it takes. Fans in my theater literally gasped. And if the next movie delivers on that tease? Yeah, it’s going to be huge.

A Love Letter to Comic Book Weirdness

Director Matt Shakman (yep, the guy behind WandaVision) clearly gets what makes this team special. He leans into the old-school comic book energy by seamlessly incorporating the color, the optimism, the playful banter, all without making it feel corny. The production design is pure retro eye candy, with every costume and gadget bursting with personality.

Even before opening weekend ended, Fantastic Four Marvel movie box office numbers were already looking strong which just goes to show that audiences are hungry for something light, warm, and a little silly again.

If you’re tired of gloomy, overcomplicated superhero movies, Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) might just be your palate cleanser. It’s charming, it’s goofy, and it’s absolutely worth the trip to the theater.

Movies

Is James Gunn’s Superman (2025) Reboot Finally Giving the DCU Its Heart Back?

Leave a comment

The DCU’s reputation has taken a few bruises in recent years, that is, until… Superman (2025). 

Just by scrolling through reviews on Letterboxd, it’s easy to tell DC might have done their big one with this movie. Superman (2025) is a cinephile’s surprise and, yes, a box office dark horse. From the moment the credits roll to the instant you feel that urge to rewatch every scene, you’ll sense something new is afoot in the skies above Metropolis.

Flying Into a Fresh Dawn

Superman (2025)

Director and co-writer for the New Superman, James Gunn, brings an impressive new creative energy to the franchise. A lot of people think Gunn’s style means tossing out the mythology, but honestly, what he’s done is transform it from the inside. His version feels more introspective, more spiritually curious and far less weighed down by the usual origin retellings. He trusts the audience already knows who Superman is, and instead shows us who he can become.

Blurred Lines Between Myth and Man

Superman (2025)

In this iteration, actor David Corenswet steps into the Superman (2025) role with measured restraint. Gone is the unflappable “boy scout” mask; here is a Clark Kent who is burdened, conflicted, and still learning how to handle his power. The scenes where he pauses, torn between saving one life or twenty, are simple but deeply grounded. When he finally dons the red-and-blue, the transformation feels earned. I’ll admit: I was skeptical at first. I mean, many have tried (and failed) to replace Henry Cavill, but the contrast between Henry Cavill and David Corenswet Superman is clear… and somehow, both work.

Here’s what I mean. On one hand, Cavill’s Superman was grandiose. He has this sort of veneer of invincibility shimmering just below the surface. On the other hand, Corenswet’s Superman has a very bright personality, he feels human, hopeful, and even a little awkward—despite the huge responsibility on his shoulders.

A New Clark, A New Journey

In David Corenswet Superman Clark Kent scenes, the movie slows down. You see him fumbling through human interactions: the awkward small talk, the longing for anonymity, and how he tries his best to not let anyone down. These moments, paired with his wholesome bond with his adoptive parents, bring humanity to an almost invincible being. Of course, there’s spectacle too. There’s that incredible moment where Superman storms into Lex Luthor’s office on a mission to save his cousin’s dog, and the epic sequence where Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi) absolutely steals the show. And then there’s the shot of Superman rising from a dust-choked sky, that might just be the coolest frame in the entire movie. Gunn balances the CGI fireworks with crisp emotional tension, never letting visuals drown out the story’s heart.

Box Office Performance With Heart

Now, a movie like this one that strays away from the status quo so much might seem risky at the box office, yet Superman (2025) box office returns are exceeding expectations. Word of mouth has been strong with viewers praising the film’s fresh tone, its thematic ambition, and its willingness to ask tough questions about heroism. Still, it’s not flawless. Superman’s final monologue to Lex feels a little overcooked, and certain side characters (Ahem! Jimmy Olsen) hog more screen time than necessary. The pacing dips here and there too but those are minor quibbles compared to the emotional weight this film carries. 

What really surprised me was the humor. It sneaks in naturally—dry one-liners, clever callbacks, and warm, human banter. You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and if you’re smart, you’ll stick around through the credits (trust me, grab that extra snack). At the end of the day, Superman (2025) feels like a long-overdue breath of fresh air. With James Gunn at the helm and David Corenswet giving us a more “punk rock” Superman that is raw, hopeful, and heartbreakingly human, the film hooks you emotionally, thrills you visually, and reminds you why this character has endured for nearly a century.

If you’re looking for a superhero blockbuster that actually means something, that teaches what it is to fly, to protect, to carry burdens, Superman (2025) delivers.

Movies

Black Panther (Wakanda Forever) 2023: A success or Not

Leave a comment

 Marvel’s Black Panther films have broken records and redefined the face of superhero cinema from the outset. Now, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has broken yet another big barrier in the field of female-led films. According to the most recent box office figures, the MCU film has surpassed Captain Marvel, Wonder Woman, and Black Widow to become the most grossing female-led superhero film in the United States.

Today, let’s discuss the financial smashes and hits of the blockbuster Wakanda Forever, which is still making its rounds on Box Offices across the globe. Stick around.

In other conditions, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever might not have been in contention for a new record. Following the death of Chadwick Boseman, the script for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had to be drastically altered in order to reflect the deaths of both the actor and his on-screen character, T’Challa. This included the Black Panther sequel removing its male lead and replacing him with Letitia Wright’s Shuri, who features as the film’s key character with Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, and Lupita Nyong’o. Because of this alteration, the film’s success has seen it smash a record that it would not have been in contention to challenge under other conditions.

According to the most recent data from Box Office Mojo, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s domestic gross was $431.5 million, just enough to surpass Captain Marvel’s $426.8 million and reshuffle Wonder Woman ($412.8 million) and Black Widow (a pandemic affected $183.65 million), who came in second and third, respectively. Although it is unlikely that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will surpass Captain Marvel’s pre-pandemic global box office total, the achievement at the box office is still something to be proud of because of the many factors that went into it, including post-covid audience volumes and certain countries’ refusal to release the film.

Ryan Coogler wants the Black Panther franchise to last for a very long time.

Yes, Ryan Coogler has been the main inspiration behind the MCU’s Black Panther films. Despite the difficulties the year’s sequel experienced, which were made worse by the Covid pandemic delays and Chadwick Boseman’s passing, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has emerged as a stunning success. Director Ryan Coogler would therefore dearly love to be able to carry on the Black Panther story for as long as he is able to. Recently, he stated:

“I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to work on these movies, bro. When I got asked to do the first one, it was like a moving train. I thank God every day that I was able to jump on it and meet these people, these actors, and to meet Chadwick during some of the last years of his life. I’ll do it as long as folks will have me. But I think it’s bigger than just me or Joe. Between the first and second movie, we made $2 billion at the box office, which is what matters the most to corporations. So I hope that it continues, man. I hope people are still making movies about Wakanda long after we’re gone.”

Let’s see how well the movie has done in Africa.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is currently still in theaters around the world, and will be added to the MCU archive this 2023. The sequel to Ryan Coogler’s 2018 blockbuster “Black Panther” has drawn moviegoers, enthralling crowds in Nigeria and other West African nations. The fact that “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” broke box office records is evidence that the film industry in West Africa is not only alive but also healthy and  booming . Wakanda Forever has received spiffing reviews from critics in the area for to its captivating plot, fantastic visual effects, and excellent cast. There are bigger things coming, and this is just the beginning. The performance of the movie, according to Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, demonstrates the strength of narrative and the lasting popularity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“We can’t wait to bring even more exciting and memorable films to audiences in West Africa and around the world”, she said. 

Now Let’s see how well the movie has done across Asian cultures. 

Marvel films have historically performed incredibly well in China, with “Black Panther” (2018) earning $105 million there and “Ant-Man and the Wasp” earning $121 million. With great excitement, Black Panther passed the $1 billion mark worldwide. The movie’s success demonstrated that, despite some skepticism, a black-centered film can not only travel but dominate in the international market. It was bolstered by a strong opening in South Korea, where it reigned as number one at the Box Office, as well as its leap to the top of the Chinese Box Office. Its popularity in the Asian market, however, represented much more than just sales figures, as many people noted, since it also served to forward a more complex narrative about blackness.

Nevertheless, as demonstrated by K Pop’s cultural pre-existent appropriation issue and Koreans’ clear ignorance of what is and is not offensive, a handful of films won’t be able to undo decades of unfavorable reviews overnight. Even the box office success of Black Panther in China was hampered by the overwhelmingly bleak and openly racist comments about the film that were posted on Chinese social media.

Movies

Reasons Why Top Gun: Maverick Was Better Than The Original Top Gun

1 Comment

Top Gun: Maverick has seen a lot of successes as a blockbuster movie, grossing an insane amount of 1.488 billion USD, which is a figure leagues ahead of the original, Top Gun. This sets it as one of the highest grossing movies of all time and fans and critics have no way of saying less. Top Gun: Maverick follows up the tragic event that occurred in the original Top Gun, with Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) having to face his friend Goose’s son, Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw (Miles Teller), after the latter was selected into the Elite squad of the US Navy, as a pilot to undergo a most outrageous mission. Seeing how well Top Gun: Maverick did despite being a sequel, it is most certain that the cast and crew did an amazing job to pull off such a feat and fans are surely not blinded to this.

Below are few of the things the sequel didn’t disappoint to give fans;

1. The Nostalgic Feeling It Brought

The original Top Gun movie has always been in the hearts of the fans, with a lot wanting to see how the casts would deliver a performance as good or even better than what they’d given in that movie. It however came as a surprise when a sequel was made, and also how it did well on the market, but a signature factor remains on how audiences were captured by the Nostalgic feeling which it provided. This Nostalgia was built up from scenes like when Rooster played a song which his dad and Maverick used to play a long time ago, when Maverick got to see Peggy, Rooster having to be Maverick’s backseater just like his dad did, and Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky getting to meet Maverick again.

2. The Casts Featured On The Show

The movie featured casts trying to portray characters from different generations in the movie. With actors like Tom Cruise as Maverick, Val Kilmer as Ice, Ed Harris as Cain, Jon Hamm as Cyclone, Jennifer Connnelly as Penny, and others playing the new generation of the Elite Top Gun squad with Greg Tarzan as Coyote, Danny Ramirez as Fanboy, Jay Ellis as Payback, Lewis Pullman as Bob, Monica Barbaro as Phoenix and Glen Powell as Hangman, there was a perfect blend of old generation names in the top gun and new generation names. This made for a more balanced story to be built which was sure to still keep the Original fans on lock and draw in new fans to the mix.

3. Insane Production Level

Despite the original doing alright in their production, Top Gun: Maverick was able to bring in more advanced production with the new technologies available being a huge part for this turn out. Capitalizing on what this movie sought to achieve all through, which is balance, there was a perfect blend of new technology trying to create perfect scenes like the mach 10 flight which was done by Maverick, without taking away that feeling of originality which some movies do with the overuse of CGI.

4. A More Spread Out Case Of Emotions

Both Top Gun movies had emotions that greatly enhanced the love which came from their audiences, but this was stronger in Top Gun: Maverick which has an emotional play well spread out across the movie at various strategic scenes. For instance, the build up of emotion between Maverick and Rooster that just seemed to happen without any plan in play, Maverick connecting with Penny and Ice, and Maverick thinking of Rooster as a son. The original Top Gun movie lacks in comparison with the amount of emotion that soars in Top Gun: Maverick.

Final Thoughts

With a success that trumps expectations from the sequels, Top Gun: Maverick has surely stamped its name on the hall of fame and given hope to writers who thought about sequels to their stories not being able to meet the expectations of viewers. Conveying so much attributes in story telling and performance, Top Gun: Maverick makes a stand against its original as being worthy of its gross.

Movies

Marvel or DC : Which is the better franchise?

Leave a comment

The argument about which is the better franchise is one I believe is never going to end. Some people say Marvel is better than DC because of movies, while DC fans believe that the franchise is better based on comics. I must establish that I am not a fan of either Marvel or DC and I enjoy both. My favorite Marvel superhero is Spider Man and my favorite DC hero is Batman.

That being said, it honestly boils down to one thing, perspective. Some people like DC Super Heroes because they are inspiring. Even though they were super powerful, the main theme is this: Gods trying to be men.  Some people say that Super Man is the best super hero because he is a god, but still uses his powers for good, and never tries to be a dictator (except for Injustice).

He is considered by some people to be the best hero because he’s both relatable and inspiring at the same time. People also like Batman because he’s one of the most inspirational superheroes. Batman is not designed to be relatable. I don’t know too many humans who are infinitely wealthy, driven by vengeance, and pathologically broody.

But you must be thinking, gush this guy talks a lot about DC Super Hero Heroes, he must love DC right, well, not really.

Let’s talk about my boy, Spider Man over here. People like Spider Man why? Because he’s RELATABLE. People that say Batman is relatable are WRONG. Batman is inspirational because he never gives up, and even in the face of danger where he could get killed, or even when he talks down on Super Man and Wonder Woman, he doesn’t show fear. That inspires people to be more confident.

But do people relate to Batman? Are people billionaires, or at least millionaires? Are they super genius who can solve almost any problem? Can they create gadgets, as well as machines and cars and tanks? Are they the head of their company? Can they learn countless martial arts?

In DC, you had Batman. you had superman. You had all these superheroes who were amazing, who all children could aspire to, and all the children could be men and superheroes if they ate their vegetables or something like that. A nerdy kid would read that and be like “oh dang. I want to be like that. Except I’m not because I’m just a boy who’s a loser and doesn’t get any girls.”

Spider Man came along and says “Hey nerdy kid, You too can be a superhero because you’re just like me.”

In conclusion, people prefer Marvel because they have characters that are more relatable. People prefer DC because they have characters that inspire you.  This is the major reason why Marvel and DC fans can never agree about anything because their mindsets are very different.  Now, which is the better franchise? At the end it all depends on how you think of super heroes 

Movies

5 Actors Who Failed to Nail Their Roles in Glass Onion

Leave a comment

Rian Johnson attained great success in his 2019 movie Knives Out, both in critical acclaim and at the box office. Consequently, he decided to extend the Knives Out franchise by releasing its sequel, Glass Onion, in 2022. Like its predecessor, Glass Onion featured several popular faces in its ensemble cast. 

The cast of Glass Onion included Daniel Craig, reprising his role as Detective Benoit Blanc, Janelle Monáe, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hann, Madelyn Cline, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, and Ethan Hawke. Naturally, you’ll expect phenomenal acting in the movie given the big names. Unfortunately, some of these actors failed to hit the nail on the head while playing their roles. Read on as we point out these movie stars in the next section.

5 Actors That Were Under Par in Glass Onion

Daniel Craig and Janelle Monáe were the best actors in Glass Onion without a doubt. Similarly, Edward Norton delivered a satisfactory performance. Ethan Hawke didn’t have enough screen time to do anything spectacular, so you can’t really blame him. Still, the other actors in the movie didn’t leave off a stellar performance.

Here are five actors who were anything but impressive in Glass Onion from those who could’ve done a bit more to the least remarkable:

5. Leslie Odom Jr.

Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussaint

Leslie Odom Jr. played the character Lionel Toussaint, the head scientist in Miles Bron’s company. The actor first gained major recognition in 2015 when he won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the musical Hamilton. Although Lionel initially opposed Miles’s idea to launch Klear, he couldn’t do much about it because he was subordinate to Miles.

Throughout the movie, Leslie struggled to portray Lionel and sync with the character. However, his efforts didn’t click and he failed to steer his acting well beyond the seas of mediocrity. One notable under-par scene of Leslie was when he fell clumsily after dragging a blanket with Helen Bland (Janelle Monáe). I mean, what was that, bro?

4. Madelyn Cline

Madelyn Cline as Whiskey

After her casting in the Netflix TV show Outer Banks, Madelyn Cline was given the role of Whiskey in Glass Onion. Whiskey was the drop-dead gorgeous girlfriend and Twitch channel assistant of Duke Cody (Dave Bautista). The character was meant to be jovial, seductive, attractive, and easy-going, which Madelyn didn’t have many problems with. Besides charming Miles Bron (Edward Norton) with her wiles in a bid to gain favor from him and being a partner to Duke, there wasn’t anything much to expect from Whiskey. Any beautiful actress could’ve played the role effortlessly.

https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7322219860214386 (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Despite her character’s simplicity, Madelyn had a few chances to make her character more sophisticated, like when Whiskey had a dialogue with Helen Bland. Still, she failed to make good use of the golden opportunity.

3. Kathryn Hahn

Kathryn Hahn as Claire Debella

Kathryn Hahn portrayed Claire Debella, the sitting Governor of Connecticut, currently running for the US Senate. Kathryn earned popularity after appearing as a supporting actress in various comedy movies, including How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Step Brothers. Yet, she couldn’t do justice to her role in Glass Onion.  

Claire was supposed to be an aristocratic character since she was a US Governor. However, Kathryn played the role with no atom of grace, making Claire look less noble. Even though the character was loyal to Miles, she’d have shown signs of elitism at least, but she didn’t. Kathryn’s performance was also short of quality and charisma. She’d have probably done better if she was given the role of Peg, Birdie’s not-so-sophisticated assistant.

2. Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista as Duke Cody

Dave Bautista is one name that needs no introduction in the entertainment industry. The retired professional wrestler has enjoyed success in various blockbuster movies, including Avengers: End Game, Avengers: Infinity War, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Dune. His roles in these movies and many others involved action scenes, which suit his abilities. Regardless, he was given a more dramatic role in Glass Onion, a role that actually required pure acting. And guess what? He fell on his face.

Bautista portrayed Duke Cody, a macho men’s rights activist (on Twitch and YouTube) and video game streamer, who’s Miles’s friend and subordinate. The movie star was too stiff in his performance and seemed to take a leaf from his acting in his action movie roles, but without the intense action, of course. Besides failing to appear natural, he couldn’t make the viewers take his character seriously. Playing an anaphylaxis-fueled death scene was also a tough row to hoe for him.

1. Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay

Arguably, Kate Hudson was the least outstanding actor in Glass Onion. The Golden Globe Award-winning actress previously starred in Almost Famous (the movie that earned her the award), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Mother’s Day. Still, she may have just inked her name on the nomination for a Golden Raspberry Award with her role as Birdie Jay in Glass Onion. Birdie Jay embodies a high-spirited supermodel turned fashion designer and one of Miles’s “weird” friends involved in the use of child labor.

Kate Hudson’s performance in Glass Onion was nothing to write home about. Almost everything she did seemed to be off– her acting was mediocre at best, her comical scenes appeared forced, her dialogues didn’t quite flow naturally, the scenes where her character was serious and those where she was playful were both flawed, and she made Birdie Jay look ridiculous. Instead of characterizing Birdie as intriguingly as possible, she slaughtered the character’s energy and visual appeal. An actress of her quality could’ve done much better.

Conclusion

Glass Onion had the potential to be an excellent film. However, the relatively poor acting was one major factor that pushed it off the course of its predecessor, Knives Out. No doubt that the above-mentioned actors would’ve made the movie meet critical expectations if they had executed their roles perfectly.

Movies

Three Reasons Why Thor: Ragnarok is a Better Movie Than Thor: Love And Thunder

Leave a comment

Thor: Ragnarok was considered to be the best Thor franchise when it was released in 2017. With the great success it achieved, fans were excited when a sequel was announced to the ever growing franchise. It was expected that the sequel will keep up the pace and maybe surpass the 1 billion dollar mark in box office. But unfortunately, it failed to meet up to expectations when released in July, 2022.

With Thor: Ragnarok garnering 854 million USD in the box office and Thor: Love And Thunder earning 760.9 million USD. It is obvious which movie did better, but average values for the gross of both movies puts Thor: Love And Thunder above Thor: Ragnarok. 

Being the fourth Thor movie to be out, Thor: Love And Thunder showed Thor’s adventure on his journey to save the Gods of the realm from being vanquished, by fighting Gorr the God Butcher who is the villain in this movie. Despite the hype before its release, it would however seem that fans were a bit disappointed, with low ratings gotten at 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.3/10 on IMDb, when compared with Thor: Ragnarok which had a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.9/10 rating on IMDb. 

Both movies were directed by Taika Waititi, but as no one can be said to be perfect, Thor: Ragnarok had a better reception due to it having a better quality to its sequel, Thor: Love And Thunder. And here are some few reasons why;

The Thor Vs Hulk Fight

Who the strongest Avenger is has always sparked the interest and raised a debate among MCU fans, with a lot of mixed answers and reviews coming from theories and all. With the Avengers spaceship recognizing Hulk as the strongest Avenger, one can’t be so sure on trusting a ship to have the final say on one of the greatest mysteries in the MCU. In the same vein, the matchup between Thor and Hulk could have easily put a rest to the debate with Thor drawing out his full potential to almost steal a win from Hulk, but the interferance from the grandmaster made this impossible. However the case may be, it is without a doubt recognized that this was the most thrilling fight which Thor has ever given his fans and by far proves better than his fight scenes in Thor: Love And Thunder.

Perfect Balance Of Humor And Action

Thor: Ragnarok introduced fans to the comedic side of Thor and it was a well received gesture which took the pace of the movie to a whole new level. Although also present in Thor: Love And Thunder, the former stood out more and was better due to a factor called “Balance”. With the overly use of comedy in Thor: Love And Thunder, there seemed to be a disconnect in their attempt to thrill the audience and this led to the show becoming rather boring than amusing. As comedy isn’t an easy feat to pull, Thor: Ragnarok set a standard in balancing comedy and action which the producers and directors of the show weren’t able to replicate or improve in Thor: Love And Thunder.

The Villains Present

When compared in the roles they were written to portray, Hela who is Thor’s sister and the villain in Thor: Ragnarok, was a daughter coming to take revenge on her father for pushing her aside after she’d helped him achieve all glory, while Gorr was an individual who was granted the power to kill gods and sought out for a revenge on all gods across the realms for their failure to keep his daughter alive. Looking at the scale of both stories, Gorr in Thor: Love And Thunder should have been a better choice on the most thrilling to watch as his character should have a grander scale of battle, but what was showcased to fans was too appalling to say the least when compared with Thor: Ragnarok which provided amazing fight scenes from Hela with more blood spilled and ruthless means of murder exploited as befitting of a true villain.

Loki Laufeyson

Loki has always shown to be one of the most interesting characters in the Thor franchise and his back and forth relationship with Thor has always been one fans have enjoyed over years. It is without a doubt that Loki and his charming presence was sincerely missed in Thor:love and thunder. After all, what is a Thor movie without loki. 

Final Thoughts

The Thor franchise still seems to have future projects in sight and if the MCU wants to keep fans on their toes for the next sequel. They need to do their homework on some of these areas. 

What areas do you think the MCU needs to do more for our Norse god Thor. Feel free to drop your comments below.

Movies

Five Marvel Characters That Need Their Own Movies

Leave a comment

Most main characters of Marvel Comics have feature films or television series. However, there are many comic characters in the Marvel world without a movie or a live appearance on the screen. The increasing number of spinoffs and reboots has introduced movie fans to many Marvel blockbuster movies, including Ironman, X-Men, and Spiderman. 

But comics fans will like to see more characters have their movies or even make a debut screen appearance. In this post, we shall look at five Marvel characters that need a dedicated film or a debut screen appearance. Let’s get on with it, shall we? 

Darkhawk 

He is one of the less-known Marvel characters on our list. His lack of popularity is understandable since he was popular only in the 1990s. At the time, Darkhawk had a 50-issue comic series. His name was Christopher Powell, and he comes from the same neighborhood in Queens, New York, as Peter Parker. 

One day, he found an artifact that gave him the power to switch bodies with a full extraterrestrial android being with giant metal wings. Then, he controls the branches with his mind. 

Darkhawk had long claws like Wolverine. His scary appearance and power made him popular among teenagers in the 1990s. Darkhawk used to be a member of the Avengers for a brief period. Marvel plans a new Darkhawk series with a younger hero: Connor Young used to be a top athlete before his MS. When he finds a necklace, Young has to deal with his new medical challenge and learn to become a hero simultaneously. 

Many fans will welcome a movie about this character because he is known to most of them, usually millennials. Also, the origin, outfit, and powers make him an ideal addition to the Marvel cinematic world.

Captain Britain 

Marvel introduced this character to comic book buyers in the 1970s. He was the son of a noble British family. In a lab accident, he suffered fatal injuries and was about to die. However, a wizard, Merlyn, approached the family and offered them a chance to be the United Kingdom’s supernatural champion. 

A Captain Britain movie will increase the popularity of Marvel comics outside the United States. Also, it would allow fans to hear stories about a character outside the United States. 

Namor 

The ruler of Atlantis deserves a place in the Marvel cinematic world. He is the essential character on our list yet to have a live-screen representation. His absence from the screen may have to do with the similarities between him and DC’s Aquaman. Both men are mixed-race rulers of Atlantis’s undersea kingdom. 

Also, they struggle to get along with other people because of their slightly arrogant nature. Conversely, Marvel doesn’t own the rights to the character. It belongs to Universal Studios. 

But, many Marvel fans will still want to see a screen debut for Namor, and the movie giant should give the fans their desires.

Nick Fury 

Anyone who has seen the Avengers knows the name, Nick Fury. However, his original story remains a mystery to Marvel fans. He has made several appearances in other Marvel movies, including Captain America, Agents of Shield, and Ironman, so we hear brief details of his background. 

But fans, including me, would like to learn his background and what happened before he got the avengers together in the first movie. Fury was a hero in World War Two, going for European missions. 

He fought the Nazis in North Africa and met Captain America during one of his missions. After a grenade damaged his eyes, and the absence of medical assistance aggravated the injuries, Professor Berthold Sternberg gave him an “infinity Formula.” It was made to retard his aging process, but he needs regular injections to remain alive.

Later he worked as a spy for the CIA and other organizations before being director of SHIELD. He is the leader of the Avengers and continues to play a significant role in the defense of earth from conspiracies within and outside. 

Sentry 

You have to think of Sentry as Marvel’s Superman. He is an influential figure who has not made a screen debut yet in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although his powers are comparable to Superman’s, they have different morals. So, he can be a hero or a villain with a dark past. 

Therefore, a solo movie for this complicated character, alongside his complex source of ability called the void, will excite fans. Sentry will allow Superman fans to see their hero in a new light.

Conclusion 

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is an exciting place filled with many superheroes with amazing original stories. However, there are many characters in need of a solo movie. In the article, we have mentioned the fabulous five. We hope to see these characters on the big screen soon. 

All Posts, Movies

Death Battle : Captain Marvel Vs Dark Phoenix

Leave a comment

Looking at recent years, the clamor for more female actresses in lead roles has skyrocketed. This is the case in the Marvel Cinematic Universe which has more females taking the pole position in delivering justice to the bad guys and girls. Today, we’ll take a look at two very powerful characters in the Marvel Universe. We’ll be pitching Captain Marvel against Dark Phoenix to see who would defeat the other if they were to say take each other on in a death match. Looking forward to that in the movies by the way.

When we see heroes like Captain Marvel especially after her big unveiling in Avengers; Endgame, we see unprecedented power levels due to her Binary energy that can be rivaled to Dark Phoenix if you’ve watched X-Men or probably you’ve read the comics.  Captain Marvel after taking down Thanos is probably the strongest character, brave and daunting in the face of evil while Dark Phoenix is another powerful heroine that possesses the Phoenix Force which is a mighty cosmic power.

Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel aka Carol Danvers is a former Air Force pilot imbued down to cell level with alien Kree technology and energy which grants her Binary powers when the need arises to make use of them. She is regarded as a hero nonetheless in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as she was instrumental in taking down Thanos.  Skilled for close combat fights, possessing speeds of up to 250,000 miles per hour, capable of shooting energy blasts through long distances and carrying structures of up to 500,000 Ibs all thanks to her Photonic Energy form from the Binary powers.

Dark Phoenix

Dark Phoenix aka Jean Gray is another super-powered character in the Marvel Universe. A telekinetic and telepathic psychic superior to even Charles Xavier of the X-Men, she was a part of the X-Men and possesses the Phoenix Force which grants her tremendous energy levels and immortality powers and is also capable of immense powers which could nuke whole planets( really scary). She is really on a different level other than the rest superheroes. 

Pitching them against each other in a fight

It’s really pretty clear who’s gonna win in any sort of situation. I’d give Dark Phoenix the upper hand against Captain Marvel due to very good reasons.  This being that Captain Marvel  might have the advantage when it comes to close combat or speedy fights or energy blasts probably even without her Binary powers which by the way are kinda limited sort of, as in finite. But looking at Dark Phoenix’s powers which feature telekinesis which is super and telepathy which by the way is sort of scary seeing how she wraps her mind around her opponents’ and disables them, coupled with the Phoenix Force’s capability of  resurrecting its possessor. It makes her powers the ultimate villainy type of power that you could use to embark on conquests of planets and stars. Really, I’ve got to give it to Dark Phoenix because I think there’s no character in the Marvel Universe that can rival or even surpass her power. Well, most people might say Black widow might do it or maybe Captain Marvel wins it or even Scarlett witch might just take her down. But I say nah. It ain’t gonna happen. I want you to tell me who you think is the most powerful among them. Feel free to drop your comments below in the comment section. Waiting for it.