A part of me will always view Tobey McGuire’s Spider-Man as the one Spider-Man for me, he was the one I grew up on, the one I saw at the cinema when I was young, and though I did enjoy the darker Andrew Garfield version, and Tom Holland is fine, they can never hope to match the awkward charm of McGuire’s Peter Parker.
Raimi brings his very unique stylings to this film and it really helps to keep it fresh all these years later, watching Spider-Man cage fight whilst Bruce Campbell plays a cooler version of Vince McMahon is something I never knew I needed.
I also think McGuire is fantastic in the role, he feels like a believable nerd, which Garfield and Holland never did or do, and there is something of the awkward outsider in him that we can all relate to. Moreover, McGuire has a good deal of chemistry with Kristen Dunst who plays his on screen love interest Mary Jane Watson. Now say what you like about Sue Storm and Reed Richard, or the love triangle between Cyclops, Jean Gray and Wolverine, but when I think of romance in a Marvel story I think of Peter Parker and Mary Jane, this is why the chemistry is crucial- luckily this film has it covered.
Finally, whoever decided to cast odd ball Willem Dafoe as Green Goblin deserves an award, as he is the perfect version of that character: unrepentantly evil whilst also strange and darkly funny- perfect.
Overall, a fun goodtime that reminds us all of what is so lacking in today’s Spider-Man.
Pros.
McGuire
Raimi
Bruce Campbell
Willem Dafoe
Cons.
Uncle Ben dies yet again
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Falcon And The Winter Soldier Episode Six: One World One People
3/5
Written by Luke Barnes
Sadly, this review is not positive. With the way the series had gone I was expecting this episode to bring everything together and to make the series better, despite its faults, but really all this episode did was point out how bad the faults of this series are, and the bad finally outweighed the good.
So firstly the positive, I enjoyed the endings that most of the characters were given, they were suitably poignant and impactful, I particularly liked the final scene we see of Carl Lumley’s Isaiah Bradley; it brought a tear to my eye. Likewise I thought Sebastian Stan’s Bucky and Wyatt Russel’s US Agent both get endings that feel earned and that set the characters up for interesting adventures in the near future.
However, arguably the star of the show Anthony Mackie’s Falcon/ Captain America, doesn’t get the ending that he deserves. After all that time deciding whether to take on the mantel and pick up the shield we just see Sam fully dressed in his Captain America costume which takes away a lot of the impact and though the suit itself looks cool it does not make up for seeing him put it on for the first time.
The reveal that Emily VanCamp’s Sharon Carter is in fact the Power Broker was in no way a surprise, it was blindingly obvious, personally I thought they had revealed it last week in that episode but evidently not. It makes no sense from a character point of view why Sharon has taken this course of action, and the post credits scene of her being pardoned only to carry on being evil just makes it worse- it is a baffling decision, she has to be a Skrull.
Moreover, and I have spoken at length about this in the past, like many Marvel projects the biggest issue with this series is the villain. Erin Kellyman’s Karli is simply awful, perhaps the worst villain Marvel has ever had on screen, her motivations make no sense, she switches emotions and her entire personality at a moment’s notice and the final episode has her repeating the same lines over and over again because it doesn’t know what to do with her.
Overall, disappointing and leaves a sour taste in the collective mouth regarding the Marvel Disney + shows.
Pros.
Walker and the Thunderbolts tease
Bucky and Sam at the end
Isaiah Bradley’s ending and the emotion
Cons.
Everything regarding Sharon Carter
Karli was awful
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For all those who doubt Sony Animation this film is undeniable proof of their talent on a huge scale. The animation is beautiful, the emotions and family dynamic are heart warming and complex, and there are enough easter eggs, nods and appearances from Elseworlds Spider-people to keep even the biggest Spider-Man fan happy.
This film shows what the animated medium can do, the story is powerful and moving and works both in a way to appeal to children who are drawn in by the bright colours and the name of the hero, but also as a reward for long time fans. I enjoyed that the film was not a direct adaptation of the Spiderverse comic, but instead did something new with it. As a comics fan I enjoyed seeing all these different versions of Spider-Man interact on screen, Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Man Noir was of course my favourite, of those featured prominently; though that should not be a surprise to anyone who reads my reviews regularly.
My favourite moment of the whole film was of course the cameo at the end with Oscar Issac’s Miguel O’ Hara as he is my favourite Spider-Man, and I was glad to see him included.
Overall, a magnificent film.
Pros.
The animation
The cameos and nods
The emotion and the story
The ending
The originality
Cons.
None
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I think that this may have been the best episode of TFTWS, so far, though not a lot happened in terms of action, which would usually be a complaint for me, the episode was incredibly impactful both in terms of the wider MCU as well as to dissect and discuss real world issues and there implication in this fictional world.
The easily angered sort, who complain about the show every week yet keep coming back, will not be happy with this episode as it is the most ‘woke’, to borrow their phrase, so far. Personally, I think this show has felt far more personally impactful and meaningful because it has addressed these racial issues rather than ignoring them as previous films and tv shows within the same universe have done.
I thought the character journey of Anthony Mackie’s Sam was near perfect, not only do we entirely understand the trouble his character is having in taking up the mantle of Captain America, but we can also see why it is important that he does. I think the scenes between Sam and Carl Lumley’s Isaiah Bradley are perhaps some of the most moving in the entire MCU.
There is a cameo in this episode, that has been hyped up since last week, that really isn’t as big as you would hope or expect it to be. Julia Louise-Dreyfus feels shoehorned in, it feels akin to the Ed Sheeran cameo in Game Of Thrones, awkward and clunky, and I hope they bring her back and use her in the future or this has been a big misstep for Marvel.
I thought the continuing descent of Wyatt Russell’s evil Captain America was fascinating to watch, he truly believes he is Captain America despite everyone agreeing he is not right for the role. I see him heading up a future Thunderbolts team possibly as soon as the end of the final episode.
Overall, though the episode does not push the boat out in terms of action, it is an incredibly moving episode that makes you feel, question and appreciate the world of the MCU and those behind it that bit more. Just ignore the cameo.
Pros.
The history of the shield
Sam and Isaiah
The opening fight scene
The post-credits tease
Cons.
The awful cameo
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The Lego Batman Movie is an animated, superhero, family film directed by Chris McKay. The plot sees Batman (Will Arnett), have to beat his greatest fear, personal intimacy, to beat the Joker’s (Zach Galifianakis) latest plan.
Personally, I don’t see why Batman was such a huge breakout character of the first Lego Movie, this character was deeply unlikeable there and it is only turned up here- to the Nth degree. I understand the point of his character in this film, and by extension the Lego Movie is that he is unlikeable and that he is working on himself to become better, but honestly it is not fun to watch. Arnett’s Batman quickly becomes irritating and as a result the film is a slog to get through.
Any comparison to the Lego Movie is deeply unfavourable for this film, as it really can’t compete. An example of what I am talking about, the Lego Movie has charm, and you care about the characters, this film has no charm at all, and the characters all come off as annoying.
Overall, I am glad the sequel to this film got cancelled.
Pros.
Michael Cera is trying as Robin
Cons.
Everything about Arnett’s Batman It has no charm
The characters are annoying
It feels gimmicky
1/5
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Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode 4 The Whole World Is Watching sees Bucky (Sebastian Stan) Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Zemo (Daniel Bruhl) hot on the heels of the Flag Smashers. Moreover, John Walker (Wyatt Russell), is pushed further to the edge.
This was a solid episode; it was better than 3 and probably on a par with 2 (the best episode so far). I enjoyed the action scenes particularly the ones featuring the Wakanda Royal Guard and the final fight between Walker and the flag smashers.
Walker’s arc is given a very interesting twist here, that will have huge universe wide implications. Despite creatives saying things to the contrary, I think you are supposed to hate Walker and this episode goes out of its way to make you do just that.
We see more of Karli (Erin Kellyman) and her turn to full on villainy, and I have to say I don’t fully believe it. The actor is doing her best, but I don’t really see her as a viable threat, moreover her motivations seem too noble for us to want to see her defeated, but this episode did make her a lot less likeable for sure.
Finally, this episode does show us some of Bucky’s time in Wakanda, but it doesn’t give us anywhere near as much as you would like and honestly the flashback creates more questions than answers.
Overall, a very intriguing cliff-hanger, plenty of solid action, but a few familiar issues drag it down.
Pros.
The action
The cliff-hanger
Walker
Zemo is great again
Cons.
The villain is weak and unbelievable
It throws away a side character that needed to be developed more
The Wakanda flashback
3.5/5
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Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode 3 Power Broker is the third episode in the Marvel Disney + series. The plot sees Sam (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan), break Baron Zemo (Daniel Bruhl), out of prison so that he can help them find out more information about the super soldier program and the Flag Smashers.
I thought this episode was on the whole good, not as good as the previous episode however, for reasons we will get to later. I thought it moved the story along and introduced some interesting new elements and locations to the MCU that I hope to see again in other films and Disney + series.
It was nice to see Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp) return. Though she did not do a lot, really she was just there to spout exposition and to remind the audience she was alive. However, she did manage to make an impression due to one very graphic, for the MCU, and well-choreographed fight scene.
My issues with this episode are twofold. Firstly, I think the two separate storylines, the boys hunting down answers about the super soldier serum, and the stuff with the fake Captain America (Wyatt Russell) are starting to clash. Personally I think the stuff with the fake Captain America is going in a very obvious direction and I would rather they just get it over with so we can focus on the more interesting matters at hand.
Secondly, and this is linked to the previous point, the idea of Bucky and Sam going rogue and the Government coming for them for freeing Zemo feels very phase 3, very Civil War era and I get that it is a stylistic inspiration for the show, but personally I think the MCU is past it and I don’t really want to see it go back.
Overall, still a strong episode, but some of the tonal and plot issues are starting to show.
Pros. Zemo
Bringing back Sharon
The ending
Cons.
They do use Sharon for anything interesting
The storylines are starting to clash
A bit too Civil War like for my taste
3/5
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The Star-Spangled Man is the second episode of Marvel’s Falcon And The Winter Soldier. The episode revolves around the introduction of the new Captain America (played by Wyatt Russell), as well as further developments with the Flag Smashers, and an exploration of the ideas around the super soldier serum and it’s continuation beyond Steve Rogers (Chris Evans).
I was deeply disappointed with the first episode of TFTWS, but I have to say this episode was a lot better and really got the series going in the right direction.
First off I want to say how excellent the Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly) twist was it showed us a whole otherside of the super soldier project, which helped us recontextualise it in our minds whilst also expanding the wider mythos of the MCU to an interesting new dimension.
Secondly, the series is greatly helped by now having Sam (Antony Mackie) and Bucky (Sebastian Stan) on screen together. After watching this episode it only becomes clearer to me that one of the biggest issues with the first episode of this series was keeping its two main men separated. Luckily this episode fixes that and brings them together. Mackie and Stan have terrific on-screen chemistry together and really make the show what it is, their easy banter and shared pains make you want to watch the show and give a damn about the characters.
Thirdly, I enjoyed how this episode showed us the new Captain America in a wider light, we get to see him as both a villain to Bucky and Sam (the former takes an immediate dislike to him), as well as a hero in his own right. The ending of the episode teases us with bigger things to come and no doubt the new Captain America will have his character explored in further depth, but this is a nice start.
My only issue with this episode is that despite marking a quarter of the series being over, (as it is only 6 episodes), it still feels like it is arranging the pieces, which really should have been done in the first episode. An example of what I am talking about is that Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), was said to have a large role in the series yet now we are a quarter of the way through it, and she is yet to appear. The pace should either have been quicker or there should have been more episodes commissioned to better fit this slow style.
Overall, a much, much stronger episode, however pacing still remains an issue.
Pros.
Bringing Bucky and Sam together
The reveal of Isaiah Bradley
Zemo
The new Captain America and his character work
Cons.
The pace is still too slow
4/5
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Falcon And The Winter Soldier is the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the second Disney + offering. The plot sees Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), existing in a post Endgame and post Captain America world.
As far as first episodes to event TV shows go this one is quite slow. There is a fairly tame opening action set piece to start with, but the main purpose of this episode entitled New World Order is to function as a character study of the two leads- and to clearly define where they are at, both as heroes and as people.
This episode delves into some quite deep areas, such as loss, accountability and self-loathing and is far darker than most content coming out of the MCU in recent years. The show feels mature, and the themes and ideas explored further this as they feel very real and lived rather than fantastical.
Moreover, this episode also has a socio-political/ racial message to it, which again is a first for the MCU. Whilst not being overt and choosing to use the returned people after the blip as a standin for oppressed Black Americans, the metaphor is clear. Sadly, this will make the episode polarising as there will be those asking to keep real world politics out of this action/ fantasy show.
In terms of wider lore building this episode introduces us to the new Captain America (Wyatt Russell), who will factor into the events of the show heavily going forward. Likewise the new villainous group the Flag Smashers are also introduced, and this is important as comics wise this group has ties to the New World Order, The Masters Of Evil and The Dark Avengers- so might be an indication as to wear the MCU is heading.
Overall, not what I was expecting, far slower and more introspective, however it does do some great character work and sets up a series of interesting events to come.
Hey Guys! A little something different today, I have decided to write a list of my seven Marvel predictions for the upcoming films and Disney + shows. How I have structured it is, one project one theory. Some stuff in my entries will have been assumed from leaks, rumours and set photos, and the rest is my own wishful thinking; so take it all with a pinch of salt. I hope you enjoy.
7 Marvel Theories For Upcoming Projects
1. Falcon and The Winter Soldier + Black Widow
Yes despite the fact that Falcon and the Winter Soldier is coming out before Black Widow, I very much believe they are tied together. That connection will be Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova. It seems very much from some of the rumours we have been hearing that Phase 4of the MCU is introducing the Thunderbolts, which is basically Marvel’s equivalent of the Suicide Squad, and is often led by or feature prominently Baron Zemo- who will also have a large role in this show. Moreover, General Ross will appear in both projects and he too is a major part of the Thunderbolts line up even serving as a leader when he is the Red Hulk, my theory and this crosses over between both projects is this: at the end of Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Pugh’s Belova, who comics wise is a far more vicious Black Widow will appear as a member of the Thunderbolts to recruit Zemo, with her storyline in Black Widow serving to explain how she got there. Most likely with Ross recruiting her and Taskmaster in the post credits scene of that film.
2. Shang Chi and the Ten Rings
By all accounts Shang Chi is going to be a very real world Marvel flick focused on the terrorist group the Ten Rings from the Iron Man films. However, my theory goes right the other way with it, I think this will be the first MCU film to explore dragons, yes dragons have already been teased in the MCU with Iron Fist and the Defenders, but I think this film will take it a step further and actually bring in a character like Fin Fang Foom, possibly to act as a secondary antagonist throughout the film, or set up to be a threat later down the road. Moreover, and this was not the major theory for this one as I believe it is almost guaranteed, but I think this will be the film to see White Tiger enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe though it remains unclear which version of the character it will be.
3. Loki
My theory for Loki is really rather simple, I think it will be in this show that we actually start to see the multiverse unravel. Yes, Wandavison began the process, but this will be the show to expand on it. From what we already know, this project will explore time and possibly alternate dimensions, so what would be a better place to show off the damage Wanda has done to the universe then here? I think it will slowly creep in over the course of the show, possibly made worse by the actions of Loki himself, but things will start to go wrong here, and rifts will start to appear.
4. Hawkeye
I think everyone and their mum knows that Jeremey Renner’s days as Hawkeye are numbered, they have had him retire a good few times now, and now that he has his family back I think he will do just that. I think quietly this might be Renner’s last appearance in the MCU, obviously I don’t know his contract details so maybe not, but it does seem like a legacy show to me. From what I have seen this show is going to take heavy inspiration from the Matt Fraction run on the character and will see Hawkeye train Kate Bishop to replace him, and by the end of the series she will. I think that this show will also serve as a backdoor into the Young Avengers with the team being assembled over the next few films and shows. Also, and yes I should have led with this, I think the target that Hawkeye and Kate will be trying to hunt down over the course of the show will be Yelena Belova.
5. Miss Marvel
Again this will be another set up series very much like Hawkeye, however, this show will set up the introduction of the Inhuman Royal family to the MCU, further establish the Kree and also introduce Hulkling to the MCU- for the Young Avengers show. I also think Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel will feature into the series in some way and that she will appear, and the two will have scenes together which will most likely lead into Secret Invasion and the events of Captain Marvel 2.
6. The Eternals
Of all the Marvel projects on this list, this is probably the most mysterious. I have a feeling they will borrow from Neil Gaiman’s beloved run on the characters, and feature the characters living life in a modern city without knowing who they are, and then slowly having flashbacks and remembering. I think this will be the start point of a fairly grand, and epic trilogy that will have a lot of ground to cover, I also think this film will massively expand the cosmic side of the MCU. Expect Galactus.
7. Spider-Man No Way Home
I am going to go big with my theory for this one. My theory is that Morlan, the villain from the comic book Spider-verse arc, will be sending villains through the multiverse to kill various Spider-Men. The surviving Spider-Men will flee to our Marvel World and will hold a final stand with our, Tom Holland Spider-Man. There will also be the fall out from the ending of Far From Home, and yes Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock will be there to represent Peter and when the time comes fight along side the Spider-Men.
Another Millennial Reviewer 
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