KRAVEN THE HUNTER (2024)

Directed By: J.C. Chandor

Written By: Richard Wenk, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway 

Story By: Richard Wenk

Based on characters created by: Stan Lee & Steve Ditko 

Cinematography: Ben Davis 

Editor: Milos Djakovic and Zach Vandlik 

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Alessarndro Nivolla, Russell Crowe, Christopher Abbott, Levi Miller 

Kraven’s complex relationship with his ruthless father, Nikolai Kravinoff, starts him down a path of vengeance with brutal consequences, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.


This film is like a record where at first you are really not liking the songs then every other song you like or you hit a section of the album and it’s quite good or adequate for a few songs that make it listenable/watchable. So it’s not as bad as you expected 

As there are some really good action sequences that save the film but there are so many scenes in between setting up the characters and story. As the film tries to be of a better quality then it is. Trying to enrich it. When tis should have been a more Mindless popcorn action film.

As the early opening scenes or rather the intro is so ridiculous it seems like it’s on the verge of becoming MADAME WEB bad. Though at least that was watchable and not boring. As thst tried to throw everything against the wall and see what stuck. 

Aaron Taylor johnson is good in the lead and believable but ultimately better than the material. Ariana debose really has nothing to do and Russell Crowe is as usual chewing the scenery and having fun.

The foreigner  is really the only interesting part and character in the film. Though not used nearly enough. As he comes across as a celebrity cameo throughout or a special guest star. Not To mention his fashion is a flex. 

The film could have resisted the use of cgi for the scaling scenes which makes kraven look more like a non super human version of Spider-Man. 

Though at least it’s Excessively violent like a 1980’s action films of yesterday. Honestly out of the spin-off spider-man films. This is the one I wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel to this film. Even though there is no reason. As he truly was a minor villain in the comic books, who caused a major storyline. 

Where is he? Where is the world’s greatest Hunter? He saw Spider-Man as the ultimate pray, and went about hunting and ceremoniously killing him with us, also causing his own downfall, and Spider-Man’s resurrection of sorts.

The film’s second half is better than the first half and that’s only because of so much set up in the first half. Even if it is ridiculous and always feels more like fantasy than any kind of reality it tries to portray. 

It has the same problem as the other films in this series. In that it feels disposable. They feel like the superhero films that would have come out in the 1990’s and with the same mindset. So if looking for something brainless yet entertaining. I would say go for it.

Grade: C-

JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX (2024)

Directed By: Todd Phillips 

Written By: Todd Phillips and Scott Silver 

Based on characters created by: Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, Paul Dini, and Bruce Timm 

Cinematography: Lawrence Sher 

Editor: Jeff Groth

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Leigh Gill, Harry Lawtey, Ken Leung, Bill Smitrovich 

Arthur Fleck, now incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital, who encounters Harleen Quinzel, a fellow patient who becomes dangerously obsessed with his Joker persona. Their shared psychosis fuels a destructive and increasingly chaotic relationship, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The film delves deeper into Arthur’s mental state, exploring the complexities of his condition and the enduring power of his iconic villainous persona.


This is more a free-expression sequel than a typical continuation. 

One Refuses to rate it as it doesn’t work as a sequel. People who match it will view it differently as expected and wanted. It seems to be less about commerce here and more of a message and commentary on useless unnecessary sequels.

The story and discussions built up by the first film come off as meaningless. As the continuing story of the main character. Ends up being an imposter or that of a wannabe. Whose story while eventful has no true reasoning or purpose.

While having a singing superstar as his co-star, Joaquin Phoenix showed no talent or aptitude for singing. Though helps show the delusional message of ourselves singing to ourselves it is more about the emotion, mood, and lyrics an expression than talent. Thought for others it is more about wanting to experience it all including image and talent. 

While also leaving Phoenix a reason to return to a character and make him more of an interest to the actor. Though like slipping on yesterday’s worn clothes. A return with comfort but wanting to change or move on. Despite winning an Oscar for his first portrayal and for an actor who wants to be more of a chameleon it feels like a trap or curse only coming back for the check and making it fun for themselves. Making a mockery of all the hoopla and the Hollywood system in general.

A rebellious act when a studio forces a filmmaker to make a sequel never quite designed and what they do with it. An artistic enterprise but also a center move to insult not only the powers that be but in true punk rock fashion even the audience. Encouraging them to think for themselves and find meaning in what was worth it not necessarily what they are given. Don’t let them force-feed you what is not good for you, but fans spending money on these Hollywood films looking for an escape sided against it as it was their anti-hero who they cared about doing to them what he was doing to the establishment.

Just as when the public sides with Jones and disrupters as clowns like Tom Green in the past and all was fun when laughing with them but when the joke is on you. not as happy and truly see how the others felt. The power is held by the comedian who feeds off of reaction.

If anything this is more dour and dull. It also seems like Todd Phillips is going for a vision and not be accused of copying another film or filmmaker like he was with the first Joker film oddly similar to the films of Martin Scorsese TAXI DRIVER and KING OF COMEDY in particular

Even though most of the musical scenes are borrowed from other classic musicals and sung in full. Though with no artistic flair or dancers no flash. Though the of my friends who can see me now are at least notable for trying 

As is said in the film. The people care about the Joker, not Arthur Fleck. This film Seems to be more about Arthur Fleck and that pissed the audience and studio off. 

So Some might argue this is a character piece that explores his fractured embracing and obsession with musicals and things played out in the same way. As well as getting to play and have commentary on pop culture and the simulators of what he is going through as well as the situations he finds himself in. 

Not adding any flash to the mundane most of the time. Disillusionment and only a minor character if any to the Gotham City residents. As he is more a means to an end of inspiration than into the more fantasy-based realities. It plays more like a courtroom drama with some Personal insights from the characters 

Not living up to other’s expectations your berries never quite being who you are sorry for them

To be your ideals and be the mascot or symbol for others’ actions and emotions when it really has nothing to really to do with them or what they believe so they become More A symbol. Waking up to reality over fantasy 

A story ultimately about being used as a representation for something you have no connection truly with and being dumped when you Don’t  Live up to others’ ideals. Which seems to be the exact reaction to this film. As well as a perfect ending to this particular franchise making sure there will be no follow-up. 

Idolization and the origin story or dramatizing similar events to some known Characters. As far as this movie gets into the official DC universe. It comes off as one of the more interesting side stories you might see on BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Only

Of course, mroe adult-themed here.

Can give Todd Phillips credit as this is one of his more original and nuanced films that he has made where he goes over the line and still doesn’t feel like too much, but an all-over-the-place portrait.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK (2008)

Directed By: Louis Letterier
Written By: Zak Penn (Script Revisions By: Edward Norton)
Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr.
Editing By: Rick Shaine & Vincent Tabaillon & John Wright

Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Ty Burrell, Lou Ferrigno


Depicting the events after the Gamma Bomb. ‘The Incredible Hulk’ tells the story of Dr. Bruce Banner, who seeks a cure to his unique condition, which causes him to turn into a giant green monster under emotional stress. Whilst on the run from the military which seeks his capture, Banner comes close to a cure. But all is lost when a new creature emerges: The Abomination.

While somewhat improved over the first movie this re-take of the comic character still doesn’t find the right tone for a satisfying hulk project. This film seems to be trying to give the fans everything they want that the first film lacked the only problem is they have a very bare blueprint to base the story elements around

The effects were better in the first film and I liked the moving comic canvas of the first film it at least showed some inspiration here with Edward Norton in the lead and helping with the script I expected a better output than what I saw on the screen. The plot wasn’t that interesting or engaging. This film was very painted by numbers story-wise it had classic action scenes and a CGI battle between two beasts but when I watched this film I don’t remember asking for an animated film sure I want a comic book movie that might involve a little fantasy but do want some realism. It also does the requisite by involving a character who seems minor but perfectly setting up a villain for the sequel for those who notice.

One of the problems I don’t think Louis Leterrier was the right director for this project he is used to making fast-paced action films I know directors are supposed to have a wide range but he’s not ready for that yet. This is a hero film for the MTV generation with all the fast cuts and such. It also appears that the film was entirely filmed on backlots and soundstages I can understand the need for secrecy during filming so that no one knows in advance what is happening. But the budget for this film is huge the funny thing is it doesn’t show on the screen other than the effects everything else looks cheap or false not making for the best looking film.

The one female they showed in Brazil must be the only one for miles around and she is over the top hot yet has no lines. Tim Roth as one-note as the villain that really showed no motivation at all for his villain. Liv Tyler and Edward Norton for old long-lost lovers seem to have no chemistry and both seem to try very hard to have it. This hurts the film since at the heart of this tale is a love story in the middle of a comic book film. For all the ingredients in this tale, the poetic and artistic integrity of this film doesn’t feel very deep as it wants to be. William Hurt as General Thunderbolt Ross made me remember. How much I missed Sam Elliot as the same character from the first film he was compassionate and doing his job William hurt here just seems like a jerk who says he loves his daughter but his actions prove otherwise.

Don’t get me wrong there were good things in this movie the chase scene through the favela comes to mind. But nothing too noteworthy.

Why is it in colossal disaster films New York is the city all the destruction takes place in and where the epic battles must be fought? Does New York really need more publicity we have enough tourism to go and destroy some other cities it would be nice to see maybe to have stuff go down in Miami or Arizona there’s a lot of open space and dessert there.

While the film might work as an action-adventure film. Which tries to improve upon the mistakes of THE HULK movie. Which was more artistic and character-driven.So as that was more the origin story this film was more the continuing adventures of Bruce Banner. So like most sequels, it was more action-packed and go bigger as we know the characters already.
Though it also shows the limitations of director Louis Letterier who is skilled when it comes to more action films and sequences. He has more of a problem doing emotional scenes and making the film feel more dramatic.
While the film might work as an action-adventure film. Which tries to improve upon the mistakes of THE HULK movie. Which was more artistic and character-driven.
So as that was more the origin story this film was more the continuing adventures of Bruce Banner. So like most sequels, it was more action-packed and go bigger as we know the characters already.
Though it also shows the limitations of director Louis Letterier who is skilled when it comes to more action films and sequences. He has more of a problem doing emotional scenes and making the film feel more dramatic.

Spoiler – Plus what the hell are they going to do with the abomination now that the hulk didn’t kill him and he can’t turn human again and we know the professor is going to turn into the villain the leader the smile on his face is like a wink to the audience or fans of the comic at least.

Spoiler end

So in the end you have to wonder was it worth all of your attention to make a film that is the same quality as the original but instead of character and emotions, this film is all about action and special effects.

GRADE: C-

BLACK WIDOW (2021)

Directed By: Cate Shortland
Written By: Eric Pearson 
Story By: Jac Schaeffer & Ned Benson
Cinematography: Gabriel Beristain 
Editor: Leigh Folsom Boyd & Matthew Schmidt 

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, Ray Winstone, O-T Fagbenie, William Hurt, Olga Kurylenko, Nanna Blondell

Natasha Romanoff aka Black  Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.


This film is a prequel of sorts that is almost a last hurrah for actress Scarlet Johansson in the role. Though it gives the character her props. It still manages to be a setup for future marvel series and movies. As we know the eventual fate of Johansson’s character in other Marvel movies.

Though in the marvel universe that keeps setting up a multiverse. They have proven the saying “Never say, Never” 

The film has top-notch action sequences. Though you might find yourself hoping for more grittiness in them and throughout the rest of the film. As it seems like it will be going down and dirty, but comes off almost too polished. The film relies heavily on hand-to-hand action scenes.

At least this movie offers more action and fighting than some other Marvel films. So much so that when there are dialogue scenes the film seems to drag. 

As at heart, this is a full-on espionage film, only simplified and without most of the confusion, those films can bring. 

The film’s theme seems to be that we all must pay for past crimes. Even throughout, the Black widow doesn’t bother to change her look or Into too many outfits. So she always seems barely hidden in plain sight.

It’s clear throughout that the cast is having fun and David Harbour in particular is a riot. One only wishes his HELLBOY performance was as much fun. 

The film’s main weakness is the villain. Who feels hollow. A similar problem was felt in ANT-MAN & THE WASP. Where the villain was weak in terms of creation and really only behind a truly bigger one who was using them. So essentially they are more of a weapon than a character or menace. That is the character of the TASKMASTER in this film. 

The main villain is Ray Winstone here he is good as always playing a villain and is believable in villainous roles usually. Especially ones who are made to be hated and despicable. Where do you believe he really would enjoy assaulting females by punching them in the face. 

It might be that the villain here is too simple and pedestrian compared to the ones we have seen in other Marvel films. Which can be a nice change of pace. Though might have helped if the film was made or brought forth earlier. As of now, it feels like a kind of break from world changers. 

That’s what it is good at. Just as ANTMAN & THE WASP was a more comedic adventure with science. It makes you totally forget the lacking villain. In fact hard to remember the villain from the get-go. 

The film goes for diversity as most of the female assassins under the villain’s plan are women of color. Who he considers as early on it’s noticeable and disturbing that the bench people the heroes fought and killed were mostly minorities. Which is kind of explained with the villains’ attitude towards them yet not the films? 

A little shocked when watching these films that respected actors such as Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz are in it, but these days who isn’t in a superhero or big-budget franchise movie?

In the end the film comes across as trying to be more serious than what it is meant to be pure entertainment and fun. 

Grade: B-

WONDER WOMAN 1984 (2020)

Directed By: Patty Jenkins
Written By: Patty Jenkins, Geoff Johns & Dave Callahan
Story By: Patty Jenkins & Geoff Johns
Based on characters from DC Wonder Woman created By: William Moulton Marston
Cinematography: Matthew Jensen
Editor: Richard Pearson

Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Lilly Aspell, Natasha Rothwell, Ravi Patel, Stuart Milligan

Diana must contend with a work colleague and businessman, whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artifact that grants wishes goes missing.


This is a film that is all over the place and feels bloated because of it. Making it hard to follow at times and confusing overall.

As it appears a lot of energy was thrown into this film but it feels unfocused. So much that it stands as an Art Deco piece more than anything.

As even with two villains who actually connect to each other in storylines. Kristen Wiig makes a good villain but Pedro Pascal gives the better performance.

The plotline Reminds one a lot of SUPERGIRL the movie of a seemingly desperate person who gets the power of the gods and goes crazy with power and involves a lot of gaudy designs around them. 

The quantum leap part of the film again reminds one of the 1980’s but also makes you in the audience roll your eyes.

What was charming about the first film was not only the time period and when it was set and having her obviously trying to fit into a more comedic effect but was also empowering. While allowing you to laugh along with the other characters who are encountering this confident woman and don’t know exactly how to react.

Here she is around but has grown into the time period and knows how to keep a low profile. Even though how no one Figures out her identity it vague but it is also explained that she usually destroys any evidence of herself. 

While it tries to immerse itself In the 1980’s culture and fads it seeks here more as a place for design and jokes more then it need to be. Though with the excess it does feel like a film Set during those times 

By having her love story repeat itself here it serves as a means to an end when it comes to the final act but again feels like repeating.

If that wasn’t enough while the action sequences are grand. They didn’t feel noteworthy or impressive. Strangely they feel safer. In Other words very DC Comics movie. Where it all seems to be more about marketing. They try to make it an emotional film for the characters. As well as making them identifiable, but that seems o be the weakness of most of their superhero films. Making the character identifiable.

Some might fault Gal Gadot and her performance, which I find hard as she isn’t asked to do much acting most of her screen time is more dedicated to stunts and action sequences.

One also feels that the reason the movie might be scoring so low is that it was supposed to be a major release in a year that has hardly had many. So that this was looked forward to and had a lot riding on it. Unfortunately, it didn’t satisfy many people hopes, and Interpretations 

Even the opening scene which wasn’t truly needed but allowed the film to show off other kick-ass women in an action element. Competing but not each others enemies and to teach a moral lesson of taking shortcuts. Though even the action in these scenes feels confusing as the camera is everywhere and constantly cutting. 

By the ending it felt more idealistic and more of a feel-good moment for the audience if the good we can all do. Even if set in the 1980s the days where greed and consumerism

Seemed to reign. 

Grade: D

PROJECT POWER (2020)

Directed By: Henry Joost & Ariel Schulman

Written By: Mattson Tomlin

Cinematographer: Michael Simmonds 

Editor: Jeff McEvoy

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Dominique Fishback, Rodrigo Santoro, Courtney B. Vance, Colson Baker, Amy Landecker, Tait Fletcher, Andrene Ward-Hammond, Kyanna Simpson 

When a pill that gives its users unpredictable superpowers for five minutes hits the streets of New Orleans, a teenage dealer and a local cop must team with an ex-soldier to take down the group responsible for its creation.


The film tries to distinguish itself from other superhero films. That tries to preach against having absolute power and also how drugs can be dangerous to you and leave you being out of control and hurting those you never planned to.

Then the movie shows that the only way to fight fire is with fire. Where the heroes aren’t junkies but need these powers to defend and defeat those who do.

While also trying to be a little more gritty and somewhat realistic over other hero tales. That tries to be a little thriller dressed up with minor fantasy elements.

The film tries to be more realistic and show the danger of too much power and how it can feel like a drug or like an addiction either way corrupting those who use it too much.

The film comes across as more conspiracy driven throughout. While also being overly stylish. It throws you off with the realism but then once the fantasy elements come in they then feel too outlandish.

Jamie Foxx doesn’t use the drug until the end when it is convenient and has this omega power that is stronger than most. 

The film set up a villain only for there to be another few more actually who are rather weak after the one we are introduced to and aren’t as engaging. They actually come off more as random.

The film feels derivative as it is obviously made mroe for a younger urban audience. It lacks a moral or lesson that most superhero films have and worse it feels by the numbers and convenient most of the time.

In the end it rubs rather basic except for it’s more rundown surroundings than I try to give the film more personality as well as attitude. Though at least it tries to have a positive ending. 

GRADE: C

THE OLD GUARD (2020)

Directed By:  Gina Prince-Bythewood
Written By: Greg Rucka (Based on the graphic novel series created by him)
Cinematographer: Barry Ackroyd & Tami Reiker
Editor: Terilyn A. Shropshire

Cast: Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne, Chiwetel Ejofer, Matthias Schoenaerts, Harry Melling, Marwan Kenzari, Lucia Marinelli, Ana Maria Marinea, Veronica NGO, Natcha Karan, Shala Nyx 

Led by a warrior named Andy, a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But when the team is recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities are suddenly exposed, it’s up to Andy and Nile, the newest soldier to join their ranks, to help the group eliminate the threat of those who seek to replicate and monetize their power by any means necessary.


While one is happy to see director Gina Prince-Bythewood taking on a new genre and having a superhero and more action-oriented film than her previous films. This film isn’t quite the revelation one was hoping for.

Especially as a fan of her films before this, she does an adequate job but it doesn’t feel like anything special. It feels more typical but proves she can handle a genre movie

The action is violent yet feels satisfactory then great. As it seems more contained and smaller compared to films of this type. As the

Action sequences in this film Usually take place indoors. As the characters try to keep their identities secret. So they have to stay undercover and the action never offers that pizazz one might look for. 

The film at least offers a more international flavor. As the action comes off as covert and more espionage based my 

The film is based on a graphic novel. As it does feel like a comic book, that tries to tap into the reality and drama of certain situations. Which allows the film to have some heart and melodrama.

What is different and welcome from the film is the female Characters more take center stage. As they are more natural protagonists, heroes and also have more action scenes.

Each one has their own and even on group action scenes they more take the lead.

While Charlize Theron plays the world-weary leader like a first-class action and dramatic star. The film is stolen by the new recruit Kiki Layne

It makes one wonder when watching something that is overly praised but one only Finds it passable or entertaining enough. Is one expecting too much or is one holding the film To a certain standard that it might never have had a chance of ever achieving.

One of the problems not only with this film but a lot of action and superhero films coming out. Is a lack of a memorable villain. Here the villain proves to be a challenge but more comes off as a twerp. 

A villain is supposed to be a way to hate but should also be interesting to a certain degree. Here you can’t wait for them to dispose of them And move on. As this villain doesn’t Even seem either up to the challenge or even worthy of truly being a challenge. Once finally introduced after a bunch of false leads through a whole load of espionage You feel like,  this is it? 

This ends up being a nice film That feels like a beginning to a franchise but works open-ended as it is though makes the stakes feel big and sticks to them. 

Grade: B- 

BIRDS OF PREY: AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN (2020)

Birds-of-Prey-Rated-R

Directed By: Cathy Yan
Written By: Christina Hodson
Cinematography: Matthew Libatique
Editor: Jay Cassidy & Evan Schiff 


Cast: Margot Robie, Rosie Perez, Ewan McGregor, Chris Messina, Jurnee Smolett-Bell, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ella Joy Basco, Ali Wong, Daniel Bernhardt, Steven Williams 


After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.

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SHAZAM! (2019)

shazam-slice-600x200

Directed By: Daryl F. Sandberg
Written By: Henry Gayden
Story By: Darren Lemke & Henry Gayden
Based On Characters Created By: Bill Parker & C.C. Beck
Cinematography: Maxime Alexandre
Editor: Michel Aller 


Cast: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, John Glover, Djimon Hounsou, Jack Dylan Grazer, Faithe Herman, Grace Fulton, Michelle Borth, Megan Good, Adam Brody, D.J. Cotrona, Ross Butler, Cooper Andrews, Marta Milans 


In Philadelphia, Billy Batson is an abandoned child who is proving a nuisance to Child Services and the authorities with his stubborn search for his lost mother. However, in his latest foster home, Billy makes a new friend, Freddy, and finds himself selected by the Wizard Shazam to be his new champion. Now endowed with the ability to instantly become an adult superhero by speaking the wizard’s name, Billy gleefully explores his new powers with Freddy. However, Billy soon learns that he has a deadly enemy, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, who was previously rejected by the wizard and has accepted the power of the Seven Deadly Sins instead. Now pursued by this mad scientist for his own power as well, Billy must face up to the responsibilities of his calling while learning the power of a special magic with his true family that Sivana can never understand.

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THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2012)

amazingspiderman

Directed By: Marc Webb
Written By: James Vanderbilt & Alvin Sargent & Steve Kloves
Story By: James Vanderbilt
Based on Characters Created By: Stan Lee & Steve Ditko
Cinematography: John Schwartzman
Editor: Alan Edward Bell, Michael McCusker & Pietro Scalia 


Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan, C. Thomas Howell, Campbell Scott, Embeth Daviditz, Chris Zylka, Amber Stevens, Tia Texada, Hannah Marks, Vincent Laresca 


After Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.

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