The New Review - Black Adam

Copyright goes to DC Comics and Warner Bros Discovery

Black Adam

Starring Dwayne Johnson

Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra

Concept: Story of Shazam's biggest rival, and current anti-hero of the DC Universe.

Execution

Here we go...

Characters: So... this was the biggest let down. Let me explain. We have Black Adam. We have the Justice Society and 4 of the members. And some support characters. Plus a criminal organization with little explanation. Black Adam get PLENTY of backstory, or course, it is HIS movie. The JSA members were cool, but they barely got any backstory. Very very little. And I still get it... it is Black Adam's movie. And the main villain of the movie, Sabbac, was done very well. Waiting until the best point to introduce what he was... I give credit there. Score: 12/20

Presentation: Fight scenes... action... lightning... super powers... CGI... it was a run of the mill of the DC Superhero flick. Some of the CG was off. But nothing that feels like it didn't fit... just needed more polish. And not Transformers 2 level bad. And most of it dealing with Dr. Fate's magic... so... you can say it was magical. Score: 18/20

Chronicle: As mentioned before, the characters didn't get the backstory they all deserved, but the story around Black Adam was pretty good. Especially since they slightly CHANGED his backstory. That twist made this version of the story pretty good. Still sad that Hawkman and Dr. Fate didn't get a bit more story, but that it okay. The overall story was pretty good, even with lackluster support for the JS and Intergang. Almost felt like Intergang was thrown in, but they deserve another story. Score: 20/30

Impact: There are questions about whether or not Black Adam shifts the power in the DC Movie Universe. And so many say no. And... I slightly agree. But it is became a game changer in other ways. We got Henry Cavill back in the saddle as Superman. The Justice Society got established, and I would take a JS movie or series on HBO Max. And we got to see Dwayne Johnson finally do the passion project that took the better part of 15 years to get done. And... it works. The power might not have shifted, but it absolutely sets the tone for the new direction we are heading in for DC Movies. And I think it is a good thing. Score: 18/20

Extra Oomph: Because of the cameos of Superman and Harcourt(from Peacemaker), this movie established a canon connection between the Snyderverse that was, and the James Gunnverse that we are about to enter. Making Black Adam a very interesting linchpin in that transition. Score: 10/10

Final Score: 78/100

Final Grade: C+

Conclusion: It is a fun movie. And if you like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, then you will like this movie. Not perfect, but entertaining.

It's all a matter of opinion: I cannot stress enough that THIS is MY opinion, you can either agree with me or not. I don't have to justify my opinion, because *clears throat* that's what this blog is about. Whether I like it or not doesn't mean you have to or not...... I'ts just my justification behind MY recommendation... Which leads me to my FINAL JUDGMENT...

FINAL JUDGMENT: I say... go see it. Watch it. Again, it has flaws, but it is still entertaining. But it is also a passion project. The Rock could've abandoned the idea at any time, but he followed through. And that should be appreciated and supported. So go see it. If you wanna pass in the theater, then buy or rent it. It is worth it.

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There you go... Black Adam has gotten a 78!!!

Not as good as I hoped, but it was still worth seeing.

Have you seen it yet? What did you think? Excited for the next phase of DC Films with Cavill back... and James Gunn at the helm?

Comment and share.

Until next time...

Don't forget...

The New Review - The Batman

Copyright by DC and WB

The Batman

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Colin Ferrell, John Turturro, Jeffrey Wright

Directed by Matt Reeves

Concept: Yet another reboot for Batman. You know who Batman is. If not, where have you been?

Execution

Here we go...

Cast: I can gush about everyone in this cast. But here are the highlights. Robert Pattinson did excellent as Batman. Dark, depressed, brooding. Able to change voice himself between Batman and Bruce. Paul Dano as The Riddler was sad, creepy, horrifying. Like Jigsaw with an inferiority complex. Zoë Kravitz was elegant as Catwoman. And... Colin Ferrell disappeared at the Penguin. If you didn't know he was in the movie, you wouldn't know he was in the movie. And I have to praise John Turturro for getting Carmine Falcone right. Only negative I have with the Cast is Andy Serkis as Alfred. He was phenomenal... but we barely got him in the movie. Score: 19/20

Presentation: The score was soft and melancholy. The cinematography was excellent... close ups during a car chase scene to show the audience emotion was a cool idea. Gotham City had a life of it's own, and FINALLY, we get a Gotham like it should be... Pseudo-New York City(complete with Madison Square Garden), but still influenced by the Burton Gotham. The fight choreography looks like it came right out of an Arkham game. Praise Matt Reeves for this section. Score: 20/20

Chronicle: Influenced by Frank Miller's Batman: Year One and The Long Halloween. And if you know those, you can definitely see those. But if you don't, look at this movie as a Saw type murder mystery that just happens to have Batman. But it is complicated... twisty... and a false finish to the movie. The story will make you forget, and that is NOT a bad thing. Run time is nearly 3 hours, but there isn't a thing I would take out. No exposition for the sake of exposition. A world builder. All of this... in a week of movie. The only warning I have... it is almost 3 hours. Score: 28/30

Impact: This is a definitive Batman movie. One part Burtonverse. One part Nolanverse. One part Diniverse. One part JimLeeverse. One part Arkhamverse. And still etched it's own spot of the Batman mythos. It may not change the DC Movies as a whole, but... it will be carving its place in movie history. The question is... how MUCH it will change how DC movies will be made? I think... it shouldn't. Let Reeves trilogy be it's own style. Score: 19/20

Extra Oomph: Praise the casting... but I want this section to double praise Matt Reeves. He had a vision. And that vision ended up being a complete package. I'm still a little miffed that we didn't get Affleck's solo Batman vision, but Matt Reeves gets the character, and this movie shows just how much. This will be a wonderful trilogy. Score: 10/10

Final Score: 96/100

Final Grade: A

Conclusion: This a wonderfully built Batman film. And I really wrestled with this notion... this is my favorite Batman film. Beats even Dark Knight. It is the Batman film I've been waiting for. I'm proud of this movie, and I didn't make this movie.

It's all a matter of opinion: I cannot stress enough that THIS is MY opinion, you can either agree with me or not. I don't have to justify my opinion, because *clears throat* that's what this blog is about. Whether I like it or not doesn't mean you have to or not...... I'ts just my justification behind MY recommendation... Which leads me to my FINAL JUDGMENT...

FINAL JUDGMENT: Watch it. Now. Go do it. Now. Go watch it. Now. Go watch it. Please. Do yourself a favor. Go... watch... it...

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Well... The Batman gets a 96!!!!

No... it isn't a perfect movie. But dammit, it is built so well.

What did you think? Ready for a sequel? Comment and share!!!

Until next time...

Don't forget...

Renewed Top 10 - Batman Villains We Haven't Seen In The Movies

Warner Brothers is releasing the next Batman movie on March 4th, titled The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson. With new takes on Catwoman, Penguin, and The Riddler. But of course, those 3 characters have been in Batman movies before...... there are plenty of villains that have yet to be shown in a big screen Batman movie.

So... I am sharing with a list of villains I would LOVE to see in a big screen Batman movie! Also... I am NOT using the Adam West Batman movie, since the villains there were from the show.

And... maybe a special mention.

So let get to it!

Top 10 Villains Yet To Be In A Batman Movie

Special Mention 1: Mr. Freeze: Yes... Arnold Schwarzenegger played him in Batman & Robin. But I despise that movie so much. Arnold did a decent job. But I want a more focused Mr. Freeze story with someone else as the snowman. Jason Bateman would make a wonderful Victor. Matt Reeves... there... use him.

Special Mention 2: Killer Croc: So... we have yet to see Croc take on Batman. But we DID get an excellent version of him in Suicide Squad. So... why not use him too? But if not, Mustafa Shakir is a good choice

Honorable Mention: Anarky: A modern villain. Pretty young kid causing trouble in Gotham. He couldn't be the featured villain, but a supporting player would be perfect for him. Charlie Heaton or Justice Smith would be good for this role

10. Copperhead: There have been various versions of Copperhead in different mediums, but one thing is the same. Copperhead is a DANGEROUS assassin. Give Batman a huge headache... and still, maybe not a featured player. Sofia Boutella would be a great fit for a female Copperhead.

9. Azrael: So... this one is the center of my favorite Batman story, Knightfall. But... that was John Paul Valley. Servant of the Order of St. Dumas, thinking they should be protecting Gotham, and not Batman. I had a different idea though...... why not make a movie version of Azrael... Tommy Elliot? Played by Zac Efron. And cross his backstory into it? More on that later.

8. Mad Hatter: A villain fashioned after the character from Alice In Wonderland. Uses mind control to set up various scenarios for his victims. Pair him up with Scarecrow, and you have a Deadly Duo. Elijah Wood has that neurotic feel to him he would be perfect.

7. Professor Pyg: Another modern villain. This psychopath makes "improvements" on his victims "imperfections"... to create the Dollotrons. The only issue I would have with Pyg is that for his talents to fully realized, it might require an R rating from the MPAA. It would be worth it. James McAcoy can play this kind of deranged... but Rory Culkin(the other other brother) just feels right for this role.

6. Solomon Grundy: The servant of the Grey. The resident Zombie in the DC Universe way before the Black Lanterns became a thing. I love this character. And he ALMOST scored high on the list. The reason he didn't...... I would rather they use Grundy vs Swamp Thing in a Swamp Thing movie. Warner... get on this!! With Paul Walter Hauser giving us the vocals for this CGI zombie.

5. Man-Bat: Kirk Langstrom looking for a cure from deafness spliced his DNA with that of a Vampire Bat. And... well... Jekyll/Hyde, he started turning into a giant bat-like Humanoid. A few times, he has even been an ally of Batman. But... works as a monster villain for Batman. Sean Harris for this role was brought to my attention, and he could do it.

4. Hugo Strange: Brilliant man who figured out who Batman really was. The only issue with Hugo Strange is that he would need the right henchman/partner to work with... that... and... it looks like Riddler in this upcoming movie has figured out Batman's identity. So... it would be a retread. But I always like the idea of Hugo Strange. So... he gets this spot. Raul Esparza from Law & Order fame would be a good fit for this role.

3. Calendar Man: Julian Day is a villain who commits themed crimes based on the holidays. And for the longest time, he was depicted as a joke villain in the various mediums he has been shown outside of the comics...... with 1 very notable exception: Arkham City. Arkham City gave us that murderous sociopath that was locked up during the events of the Long Halloween. Portray Calendar Man as a John Doe from Se7en type character. Play the audience by casting Jonah Hill. And make him terrifying.

2. Hush: In Number 9, I mentioned Tommy Elliot. In the comics, Elliot is the villain Hush. Childhood friend of Bruce Wayne who ends up blaming Bruce for making him losing everything. In some stories, Elliot even uses him skills as a surgeon to graft skin to his own face to make it look like Bruce's. He is Leatherface with a Doctorate. And while it would be cool to see Elliot join the Order of St. Dumas, this story for Hush would be PERFECT versus a Pattinson Batman. I can only hope. And because I mentioned Zac Efron in Number 9, it applies here too.

And the Number One Villain I Want To See In A Batman Movie...

1. Clayface: Those of you that know me personally know I LOOOOOVE Clayface. And I want him in a Batman movie. Granted, I know it would be a heavy CGI villain, but I don't really care. So... who is Clayface? If you were a fan of the Batman The Animated Series, you would know the Matt Hagen version(voiced by Ron Perlman!!!), and in the comics, the most famous version is Basil Karlo. After a retcon, Karlo ended up with a similar origin as Hagen. Aa character actor who ends up disfigured in a car accident, and used a product to alter his skin to look what it did pre-accident. An incident leads to him getting doused in the chemical, and turned him into a living being made of mud and clay... able to shapeshift into almost anything. This... is a Johnny Depp type role or someone that has his range(open to suggestions). And... to top it off, Clayface has become an ally to Batman in recent years. That could be played off in the role. A redemption story? Either way... I need Clayface on the big screen. And Matt Reeves needs to get on this one(Or Rami Malek was brought up, and he would be great for this too).

Please?

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What do you all think? Any villain you wanna see that we haven't got yet? Comment and share...

Special shoutout to Bob for his assistance with casting. When it comes to fancasting, I know no one that comes close. So thank Bob. Well... I am thanking Bob.

And until next time, don't forget...

The New Review Renewed - The Suicide Squad

Copyright by Warner Bros & DC Comics

The Suicide Squad

Starring Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, John Cena, and many others

Directed By James Gunn

Concept: The Non-Sequel Sequel. A bunch of DC misfit villains are tasked with an almost impossible mission. End up having to save the world.

Execution

Here we go...

Cast: There are a whole lost of people in this movie. Some take up screen time... some are just cameo... and the way the movie is done, there isn't a single one of them that feels like it was too much. A very bloated cast, but it drove home the idea of no one was safe(except maybe Harley). But I'm gonna point out 3 in particular:

1. John Cena. This is Cena's breakout role. He nailed this role. And I want to see more major studios take a chance on him. He is a funny dude.

2. David Dastmalchian. I never thought I would care about Polka-Dot Man, but now I care about him. He did a wonderful job.

3. Viola Davis. Is it just me, or was Waller worse this time? This... was a step back from the first film.

Score: 19/20

Presentation: Visually stunning. Visionary. James Gunn knows how to make impressively stunning movies. And the soundtrack was very... James Gunn. Starting the film with Folsom Prison Blues was like the cherry on top. Beautiful set pieces... wonderful music... and some very interesting set transitions, mostly pretty cool. The weird flashback transitions... I liked some of them, I didn't like all of them. But I got exactly what Gunn was doing(for example... showing what some Squad members were doing... staying with them... and then flashback 8 mins to see what the rest were doing). It was an interesting idea. And worked mostly. Not perfect. But I get it. Score: 18/20

Chronicle: A mission no one knows the details of... plenty of exposition going through it... and building the story along the way. Does feel like Bloodsport was a fill in for Deadshot, but I'm sorry to those that might not agree, but I think Idris Elba is a better actor than Will Smith. And the reason that tidbit goes here and not in cast because the Bloodsport and Deadshot story motivations were similar, but it felt more relevant in this movie. This was an ensemble action film. But it still had some great story. Double crosses. And it put together very well. The first movie, Diablo called his team a family... but this movie felt like it was building a family dynamic. Won't win any rewards, but it was very solid. Score: 27/30

Impact: The Non-Sequel. Was it better than the first? Yes it was. And not just by a little bit. It also has the honor of being the funniest of the DC Movies. I was laughing my ass off. And... it's James Gunn. The man responsible for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy movies. If you know the drama surrounding his tenure with, before, and after Disney... you know what this was. DC poached a director that Disney screwed over, and he made a GREAT movie. James Gunn was given full creative control. And look what he made? It is a shining example of why a studio shouldn't hold down the visionary directors. Hopefully Warner has learned their lesson. But I'm just not sure. And compared to Gunn's work with GotG, this was better than Guardians vol 2. And on par with the first one. Also, it shows that Hard R Rated Comic Movies DO WORK!! Deadpool started the trend... this drove it home. Score: 19/20

So here is you major spoiler section...

Ready?

Extra Oomph: So as mentioned before, this cast is bloated... but... so many got killed before the credits started. Major major casualties. And... it took the risk doing that the first movie failed to do. Sure, they killed Slipknot at the start of the first movie...... okay... cool... almost half the principle cast dies right away in this. And it's beautiful. I was so surprised by that. Kudos to Gunn for that. Also Kudos to Gunn for FINALLY bringing Starro the Conqueror to the big screen. Another DC villain I wanted to see, and BAM there it is! But...... I have to bring up Amanda Waller again. I remember her being EXTREMELY cold-hearted and rage filled(good enough to be offered a Red Ring)... and I think this Waller went too far. WAY too far. WAY too overboard. In a movie with plenty of "way too far", this was was too much. And knocks it down a peg. Score: 9/10

FINAL SCORE: 92/100

FINAL GRADE: A-

Conclusion: The Suicide Squad is a great movie. Better than the original, on par with Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy... with a similar risk of using characters the casual fan hasn't heard of. It was a great movie: funny, witty, extreme, and triumphant. Turning Waller up to 13 hurt it a little bit, but the golf club scene almost makes it worth it. Overall... one of the best movies I've seen in a while.

It's all a matter of opinion: I cannot stress enough that THIS is MY opinion, you can either agree with me or not. I don't have to justify my opinion, because *clears throat" that's what this blog is about. Whether I like it or not doesn't mean you have to or not...... I'ts just my justification behind MY recommendation... Which leads me to my FINAL JUDGMENT...

FINAL JUDGMENT: Not for the faint of heart... not for the squeamish of stomach... not for the kiddos. Cannot stress that enough. This is NOT a typical comic book movie. But for all the rest of you, watch this movie. Like... right now. Go support your local theater, and watch this movie. If you can't, sub to HBO Max and watch this movie. It is worth it.

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Well... James Gunn's The Suicide Squad get a 92!

I really enjoyed this movie. Gonna watch it again this week.

What did you think? On par with Gunn's work? Would you watch a sequel? Hype for Guardians Vol 3? Need more Brightburn? Comment and share.

And as always... don't forget...