Avengers: Endgame

As Dr. Strange said last year in Infinity War, "We're in the Endgame now."

Actually, no. Avengers: Endgame may sound like the end, but it's not completely. Spidey comes back in a few months in Spider-Man: Far From Home. A few Marvel sequels and newcomers appear in the next few years. And who knows what else?

Let's give Strange some credit. These next Marvel movies will come with a new status quo. Let's read why ... and not give away too much.

Thanos the Mad Titan fulfilled his master plan to assemble the six Infinity Stones and dust off half the universe. The Avengers, and Captain Marvel, assemble to take down Thanos, get the Stones back and undo his mess. But Thanos already destroyed the Stones. Uhh...

Five Years Later, Ant-Man suddenly returns from the mysterious Quantum Realm. His time there gives The Avengers an idea to clean up the cosmic mess. They'll just go back in time, swipe the Infinity Stones, come back to the present and wish back the dead. Easy?

No. Among other issues, Black Widow and Hawkeye learn the price for obtaining one stone, while Ant-man, Captain America and Iron Man find their stone quests complicated by themselves, and evil follows them to the present.

The film's gargantuan length of 182 minutes sounds intimidating. But it's worth every minute. The first act lets The Avengers reflect on their lives as they cope with the mess. We're introduced to such sights as an overweight Thor and a smarter Hulk (long story). The second act splits up our heroes as they go back to The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World, and Guardians of the Galaxy to find the Infinity Stones. The third act is one last battle with the Mad Titan and his Army. It must be seen to be believed.

So what stands out? Directors Anthony and Joe Russo and their technical and story Marvels deserve praise for syncing the new story with the previous movies. The past characters don't look any older than they did then. The editing is just great. "The Avengers" part gives a nice expansion of the story post final battle. Iron Man, Captain America and Ant-Man's trip to the 70's gives us one last Stan Lee cameo. The new insights into Thanos almost makes me want to take back any benefit of the doubt I had last time. And, of course, the final battle gives everyone much to do.

Avengers: Endgame, more than any other Marvel movie, requires knowledge of the past 21 movies. Even if said knowledge is to know where certain characters come from. Those films all built up to its final battle and it's worth every minute. The resolutions to its long standing characters are sentimental and powerful. It provides some ideas on where to take the next films. But how will they top this galaxy-spanning adventure? Then again...

Oh, and go home once the credits start. There's nothing during or after the credits. You can stay if you want, though. You'll hear more of Alan Silvestri's score if you do.

Hellboy

Mike Mignola's demonic superhero Hellboy was first summoned to the big screen by Guillermo Del Toro's 2004 film and its 2008 sequel, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, both starring Ron Perlman as the titular jerk with a heart of gold. Unfortunately, a third film with Del Toro and Perlman never arose. The franchise starts again with Neil Marshall (The Descent) directing David Harbour as Hellboy. Let's read about it.

1944. An Allied Strike Team thwarts a Nazi ceremony, with assistance by Rasputin, to unleash Hell on Earth. A demonic infant appears and Professor Trevor "Broom" Bruttenholm (Ian McShane) raises the hell-spawn as his son, Hellboy. Of course, Hellboy doesn't learn this tidbit until...

Present Day. Hellboy works under Professor Broom in the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense. Guess what it does?

Anyway, Hellboy's latest assignment is to stop Nimue the Blood Queen (Mila Jovovich) from unleashing Hell on Earth. King Arthur ("Yes, that King Arthur." as Broom's narration bluntly states.) cut her up and scattered her still living body across the English countryside. But the pig monster Grugach (Body by Douglas Tait, voice by Stephen Graham) put her back together. Hellboy is assisted by the psychic Alice Monaghan (Sasha Lane) and the were-jaguar Ben Daimio (Daniel Dae-Kim). It gets complicated when Nimue goads Hellboy into fulfilling his prophesied role as Harbinger of the Apocalypse.

I did my best to sum up the story. It's a simple story jumbled in knots. A major subplot is that Hellboy doubts that fighting demons is right and that demons are victims. But it takes a trip to the infamous Baba Yaga's chicken-legged hut to find out that demons are evil. But Grugach's backstory as a Changeling makes him legitimately sympathetic. In short: demons aren't evil, then they are; OK, maybe some.

The film runs 121 minutes, but the plot is slower than that. Hellboy is summoned to England, not to deal with Nimue, but to help the snobbish Osiris Club hunt giants. It's actually a protracted trap. We only find out later they had the last of Nimue's pieces. But again, later. We do get other story points told here, though.

The worst offense to the story is Hellboy and Professor Broom's relationship. They spend most of the movie arguing like a rebellious teen and their parents. It's funny but not really endearing. When Nimue eventually kills Broom, a potentially tragic moment falls flat. Especially when it segues into more of the apocalyptic finale already in progress. Wish we saw more of Broom's Heart of Gold a little earlier than that.

Harbour as Hellboy, at least, tries to save the film. His first scene has him deal with a vampirized BPRD agent. We can understand his hesitation from here. If only the story was more understandable. Still, his sarcastic attitude is entertaining and his over-joyous reaction to meeting pulp hero Lobster Johnson (Thomas Hayden Church) in the mid-credits scene is infectious. Joel Harlow deserves whatever praise he gets for designing Hellboy's appearance and those of the other demons.

Lorenzo Senatore's cinematography is another technical highlight. Sure, the fight scenes frequently jump from cut to cut. But when the shots stay still, and especially when they're stitched into one singular shot, they're impressive. Grugach is a mix of a practical monster suit and a CGI head. The CGI is obvious but it helps make Grugach more pitiable. Benjamin Wallfisch's score admirably sets the film's edgy mood. But the numerous rock songs are more noticeable.

And how can we forget Hellboy's R-Rating? It shows it off like a badge of honor. Hellboy's visit to Baba Yaga is the film's most disturbing scene. And I don't just mean Baba Yaga's withered visage. The apocalyptic finale is the second most disturbing scene. We'll leave it at that. Some of the violence loses its luster, especially by the third or fourth beheading. At least we get a groan-worthy pun when Hellboy dispatches Nimue.

I said a lot, so I'll make the summary quick. Hellboy isn't for the faint of heart. It might satisfy those who felt the first films needed more blood. Its overemphasis of blood left me little to care about the characters. But the few positives I found made it tolerable. Let's not imagine how it could've gotten worse.

Missing Link

Are you Yeti for more Yeti movies? Well, Yeti or Not, here they come. Two, in fact.

One by Dreamworks, Abominable, debuts this fall. You'll likely see its trailer with the other, Missing Link, right now. Missing Link is another Laika spooktacular. See it before Avengers: Endgame is afoot.

Here's why:

Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman) travels the world investigating myths and legends. After his attempt to document the Loch Ness Monster goes awry, Frost finds a letter that seemingly validates the Sasquatch. He goes to Washington State and finds the letter was written by the creature himself. "Mr. Link" (Zach Galifianakis) is tired of living alone and asks Frost to help him find his cousins, the Yetis, of Shangri-La. Frost wanted to find Mr. Link to get into a snooty Gentlemen's Club. But he helps Link go to Shangri-La.

It's not an easy trip. The guys first steal a map belonging to a late pal of Frost's. Said pal's wife, Adelina (Zoe Saldana), joins them. The snooty Lord Piggot-Dunceby (Stephen Fry) doesn't want Frost to embarrass high society with his quests. So he sends an assassin, Willard Stenk (Timothy Olyphant), after Frost and Co. There's also the chilly reception our heroes get at Shangri-La.

Chris Butler directed, wrote and designed the characters for this tale. Frost's first scene sets him up as an insensitive jerk. His valet, Mr. Lint (David Walliams), understandably quits after he almost becomes Nessie food. But Frost isn't as unlikable as the snooty hypocrites of the Gentlemen's Club. His interactions with Mr. Link and Adelina show him as a Jerk with a Heart of Gold.

Meanwhile, Mr. Link's literal mindedness is a lot of fun. But we understand his loneliness and sadness. His interactions with Frost and Adelina help him find meaning. Adelina's desire for adventure is understandable. Her resolution with Frost is fulfilling and atypical. Overall, the leads have believable character development.  Their story is told over a slow and steady 95 minutes.

Amongst the supporting cast, the best has to be Shangri-La's Yeti Elder (Emma Thompson), who might have said the greatest oxymoron in film history: "The people we don't want here are trying to leave! Force them to stay!"

Missing Link's monsters and humans have equally exaggerated and appealing designs. The film's production design is brighter than the creepy look of Laika's other films. The CGI additions to the practical sets are perfectly blended. But the visual star of the film is cinematographer Chris Peterson. He gives the film astounding views of the scenery. It's his tracking shots that make the action scenes into incredible set pieces.

Missing Link is another marvelous work of stop-motion. Its slow and steady plot might make it feel longer than it is. But its set pieces are unforgettable. If you want to see it on the big screen, see it now. The Endgame is coming and it's coming quick.

Jethro the Cat Part 6 (Or, The Origin of the Name).

The Story of Jethro the Cat was written in November 2009. My Grandma requested a short story from me. I had some writer's block. But I was on to something. Let's read on.

I jotted down an idea for a screenplay for an animated film. Inspired by the troubled production of 1962's Mutiny on the Bounty, I thought of a story where one brave hero saved the day on a movie set when it went awry. That hero's name: Jethro the Cat. I liked the name. So when she asked me, via Skype, what story I'd write, I responded with the name.

I wrote it. I liked the mix of Dungeons and Dragons, Looney Tunes and The Dukes of Hazzard. Well, on the last title, I lived in Atlanta for almost half my life. So a southern inspired RPG cartoon story was a thing for me.

Sometime later, my Mom suggested I start a movie blog. When I did, I took the name of my poem's hero. The blog, Jethro Goes To The Movies, became Stuff About Movies in 2014. I liked my poem so much that I sat on it. I wanted my Cat to be an officially-published character. A video game. Cartoon. I thought having a blog with the name would be a conflict of interest.

I think I sat on the idea too long.

Why am I bringing this up now? Why publish now?

My Grandma, the one who I wrote the story for, passed away on March 31, 2019, at 97. She'd been ill for a while. I thought of releasing the story online for a while (Like Sword Art Online; it was on Livejournal before it became a Globally Polarizing Franchise). Her passing finally pushed me. I booted my computer up, shortly after I turned it off for the night, just to retrieve my poem and finally post it online. I still hope something comes out of my weird mixture.

In the meantime, I and my alter-ego, Jethro the Cat, will still go on, reviewing recent movies. But here's a conundrum. The next film I'm thinking of is Pet Sematary, but it's kinda depressing. Should I go or not? I'll have to decide.

Here's a link to my Livejournal, where The Story of Jethro the Cat is also published, and where I am working on revising it. There's other stuff too: See it here.

Shazam!

In 1940, Fawcett Comics debuted its answer to Superman, Captain Marvel. DC did not take it kindly and sued Fawcett out of existence in 1953. In 1972, DC bought Fawcett's assets, including Captain Marvel. Because of Marvel's Captain Marvel, they couldn't use the name on its comics. But they could use it in the comics. At least they had the right title substitute: Shazam!

Decades later, DC's Captain Marvel is now DC's Shazam. It's now the name of his first feature film. It's a simple story for a hero with a complicated history. And it's a great one.

Billy Batson (Asher Angel) is a Philadelphia foster kid looking for his real parents. He's adopted by the Vasquez's (Cooper Andrews and Marta Millans) and joins their five other foster kids. When Billy defends his new foster brother, Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer), from bullies, he is summoned to meet the Ancient Wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou).

The Wizard wants someone to pass his powers to. Billy is it; when he now shouts the Wizard's name, he morphs into a super-powered adult (Zachary Levi), also named Shazam (long story). He plays around with his powers with Freddy's help. Until Freddy gets sick of his recklessness.

Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong) was rejected by the Wizard Shazam as a child. He now has the powers of the demonic personifications of the Seven Deadly Sins. But he also wants the Wizard's powers. He'll threaten Billy's new foster family to get them. Billy will have to mend his relationships to stop Sivana.

Director David F. Sandberg works from a script by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke. It's a simple story with intricate emotions. Billy learning of, and playing with his powers, is comedy gold. So is the issue of his alias. Billy's story of him finding his place in the world is captivating. Billy only accepts his foster family once he learns the truth of his past. It leads to the final battle where Billy and his foster siblings take on Sivana. It's as awesome as it's heartwarming.

Asher Angel's Billy is a troubled, yet good kid. You wouldn't blame him that much with his family issues. Zachary Levi as Shazam is perfect as a kid with new-found privileges. You'll be amazed as he becomes a legitimate hero. Glazer as Freddy is a good pal for Billy. His chemistry with Angel/Levi is great. Billy's other foster siblings, Mary (Grace Fulton), Darla (Faithe Herman), Eugene (Ian Chen) and Pedro (Jovan Armand), are a nice bunch, too. Finally, we have Strong as Sivana, who's a perfectly legitimate threat for this sunny film.

It's amazing how a film like this cost no more than $100 million. The visual effects crew dazzles us with Shazam and Sivana's superpowers. The CGI enhancements to his costume are flawless. Billy's on-screen transformations are seamless. The Seven Deadly Sins are legitimately scary CGI creatures. The best shot from cinematographer Maxime Alexandre is the debut of Billy's superpowered foster family. The Wizard's realm, the Rock of Eternity, is incredible. The sound design and Benjamin Wallfisch's score also work wonders. It's another fine league of technical heroes on screen.

Shazam! is an excellent crowd-pleasing superhero film. It's a film that enjoys super-heroics as much as its young hero. Sure, he's irresponsible at first, but he gets over it. And you'll wow when he does. I've some issues with the plot but they're relatively minor. Overall, you must see it on the big screen at any price. It'll leave you ready for a sequel. The mid-credits scene promises an unusual foe for our hero. The end-credits scene has some fun with Aquaman.

Jethro the Cat Part 5

This poem is as long as I need it.
Here's part five, so don't have a fit.

The animals were released; they were pretty shocked.

They never expected how the Gamemaster was socked.

Even Vance congratulated Jethro, even if grudgingly.

So did Bo, Daisy Mae and Buck; yes, those three.

Even Baxter, not really a speaker, got out a few words.

“That’s the end of it all. I’ll go chase some birds.”

But that’s not the end of the story, not in a bit.

There’s more to the story that you need to get.

The six animals quickly got back to their dimension.

Their neighbors were there to give them a reception.

When they heard of Jethro’s deeds, their minds drew blanks.

They couldn’t decide if they ought to give him thanks.

But before they could decide, Jethro had gone away.

For the Cat just wanted to get back home right away.

So he returned to his house outside the metro zone,

And once again began to live his life on his own.

But this time, the neighbors did not really complain,

Whenever Jethro decided to go against the grain.

They had some new respect for their neighbor Jethro,

The Cat whom convention could ever really know.

And that was the story of Jethro the Cat,

And now you know that.

Jethro the Cat Part 4

One more part, I realize,
will make the poem easy on the eyes.

Elsewhere, Jethro was wandering all by his lonesome.

It was no surprise that he’d not succumb to boredom.

“Now that I’m not with a group, I can see action.”

He was then met with some of the Gamemaster’s faction.

“Attention, you cat. Yes, you there.” One of them said.

“It’s time that we put you down.” Another declared.

To their threats, it was known that Jethro did scoff.

He looked at them for seconds, and he gave a big cough.

“You insult our threats; we can’t forgive that.”

The enemy leader stated before he faced Jethro the Cat.

In no time at all, the battle was finally resolved.

It was Jethro who won; the threat he dissolved.

In the Gamemaster’s lair, they told him what occurred.

And as for a response, this is what they all heard.

“My way prevails! To have it defied is totally absurd.”

“But if it makes you better, I’ll verify your word.”

With this declaration, the Gamemaster went off to war.

To face the cat whose minions’ egos he’d made sore.

There was a great field that had never seen sunlight.

That was where Jethro and the Gamemaster met for a fight.

The Gamemaster was shocked when Jethro called him the Sire.

“You said you made the rules, or am I a big liar?”

“If you called the shots, then you do control it all.”

“Your thoughts are too fast,” the Gamemaster said.

“But somehow, you’ve hit the nail right on the head.”

“I’ll now shift the scene; I’ll change the location.”

And then, just like that, they were right in his dungeon.

The animals met each other again; it was not a great time.

Mainly when Jethro mocked Vance’s feet full o’ grime.

“Now, you animals listen up!” said the Gamemaster.

“I shall make his defeat all the more faster!”

The five could care less about Jethro’s big battle.

The feelings were mutual; but no one did prattle.

Instead, they watched as Jethro got his big showdown.

It was a fight that all thought Jethro would go down.

But all of a sudden, the fight came to an end.

That’s all because Jethro refused to contend.

No, it’s not that he didn’t think fighting was wrong.

It’s because he knew the Gamemaster’s weakness all along.

“You know what to expect because you call the shots.”

“Time for something different. I’ll tie you in a knot.”

“And if you wondered how I defeated your minions.”

“It just so happened that I made the same decisions.”

And with this sudden surprise, the Gamemaster did abate.

That’s when he collapsed like a forty ton weight.

Jethro the Cat Part 3

The Poem was still long even after I cut it into two. 
So now, it's three parts to view.

Meanwhile, the six animals travelled around the land,

And defeated those minions who had goodness banned.

But Jethro had enough; his impatience couldn’t wait.

He talked to Vance, and asked why he couldn’t participate.

“You want to know why we won’t let you fight?”

“Because it’s how the world works, this is just right.”

“We never liked you because you mock our traditions.”

“Learn to behave, and we’ll not regret your addition.”

It was right at this moment that Jethro did depart,

As Vance came to view it, his actions were the right start.

But the other animals who saw it; they didn’t agree.

The punishment, they felt, was not the right degree.

After Jethro’s departure, the group carried on.

They fought more with some brains and some brawn.

But soon, the battles grew tougher and longer.

A pack of Grimms was a chore since they were stronger.

Just when the group thought it couldn’t be worse,

Then came the ones who are never contrary in a hearse.

“Attention, you travelers,” the six of them said

“It’s time that we showed you true fear and dread.”

To the warning, the five animals refused to regard,

And they readied themselves on the villains’ backyard.

Unfortunately for them, the evil ones were victorious,

And they whisked them off to parts most inglorious.

Everything above was seen by Jethro’s study eyes.

He’d quickly go save them, or so one might surmise.

But actually, Jethro was happy that they were defeated.

And he went off to do what he liked and like what he did.

In the dungeon constructed by that Evil Sire,

The five animals were trapped, surrounded by fire.

“It’s not fair that they won,” Daisy Mae did mope,

“How could they beat us? Their brains are just soap.”

“Good always win, and bad ones lose,” Vance complained,

“But those lackeys beat us; I want that explained.”

“Because it’s my world; it does what I want done.”

They saw the Gamemaster; by his presence, they were stun.

He then changed shape; he was now the Evil Sire.

“To have you defeat me? No, that was not my desire.”

“But what’s this? I see that the cat’s not among you.”

“Well, I’ll have to find him. That’s not hard to do.”

And with those words, the Evil Gamemaster went away.

And left the five animals in complete disarray.