Something different on the blog today. I thought it was only fair that I would dedicate a post to the life and legacy of one of the all-time greats.
The influence of Stan Lee cannot be understated. His role in the creation of Spiderman, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, The Avengers (the list goes on) fundamentally changed the nature of comics. Of course it wasn't a one-man job, credit must also go to Steve Ditko and Jack Kirby for helping to bring these icons to life, but Stan Lee was the showman at the centre of this creation. As he playfully tells Peter Parker in Spiderman 3, "I guess one person can make a difference." This is a person who certainly made that difference. He changed comics, forever. He changed storytelling, forever. He changed movies, forever. He changed our lives, forever. And for that, I want to say thank you.
It's possible that without the existence of superheroes such as Spiderman and Captain America to evoke my love of storytelling and without the existence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to ignite my love of films that I wouldn't be doing this today. His imagination and creativity has set me, and countless others, on a certain path. He has taught us all, through both his characters and his reputation as an all-round fantastic human being, some of the most crucial lessons there are to learn. It's okay to be different. It's okay to dream. Don't wait for permission - go and break the mould.
The Stan Lee cameo in Avengers 4 is certainly going to be something. Obviously, the movie has finished shooting and his cameo is included in that. It will be interesting to see if it's changed in any way - if it's a cameo that's played for laughs (the majority of them are) it might not sit so well. But the Russos haven't put a foot wrong yet in the MCU an I'm sure that if there was a problem it would be solved to give an appropriate send-off. The issue of future cameos is an interesting one. We're getting Captain Marvel in March and Spiderman: Far from home in July, so presumably his cameos for those movies are already done. But to be honest, I think this tradition should end with Avengers 4. It's an ending point in so many different ways and the inclusion of a poignant and final goodbye to this great man would fit perfectly into that. But after that, it can stop. I know that sometimes they'd film his appearances in advance (his roles in Doctor Strange, Spiderman: Homecoming, Guardians Vol 2 and Thor Ragnarok were all filmed on the same day) and I'm sure they've probably already got scans of his face ready to attempt digital recreations for future movies.
In my opinion, it would just be upsetting to see a CGI Stan Lee or a cameo that feels overly manufactured and forced. Avengers 4 offers a perfect opportunity to say a final farewell and leave our memories of Stan Lee to rest with him.
Thank you for everything Stan Lee. Rest Well. Excelsior!
Tuesday 13 November 2018
Monday 12 November 2018
'Widows' Review
An adaptation of a 1980's ITV drama might not be the most obvious choice for Steve McQueen's much anticipated follow-up to his Best Picture winning 12 Years a Slave, but Widows is a film made up of much of the same vitality and voice. It is so much more than it appears to be on the surface. This is not another 'dumb' Hollywood blockbuster - this is a heist film with real sharpness and intelligence behind it.
When four criminals are killed in a heist gone wrong, their widows are forced to band together and pull off a heist of their own to clean up the mess left to them by their husbands.
One of the most interesting elements of this film is the blending of different tones and genres. There are so many aspects covered. The opening throws us right into some gripping heist action, a predominantly POV perspective. Immediately, you're hooked. But over the course of the film, McQueen slows the action beats right down. If you're expecting a zippy action caper รก la Ocean's 11, you will probably be disappointed. In place of quips and zingers, McQueen takes time to establish engaging, complex characters and explore some more mature themes. There's a focus on the ugly (and more realistic) side of crime - loss, grief and the fallout of your misdeeds.
This gambit would be bold enough on it's own, but as I said, McQueen doesn't hold back with the topics he's willing to cover. The backdrop of contemporary Chicago provides the perfect setting for insightful comments on political corruption, race issues, poverty. Some lines may feel slightly on the nose, but on the whole these issues are covered with respect and intelligence. One particular tracking shot is the most ingenious piece of visual storytelling that I have ever seen.
McQueen's deployment of this incredible cast must also be commended. It's very easy in large ensemble movies for certain actors or characters to disappear. Yet, of the embarrassment of riches available to him in the cast, McQueen ensures that each and every one of the characters makes a memorable and lasting impression. There are certain standouts of course. Viola Davis is tremendous in the lead role and will definitely be in the Oscar conversation. Each of the widows bring their A game, with Elizabeth Debicki particularly giving a gentle but vibrant performance. Daniel Kaluuya cements his place as one of the best young actors on the planet right now. His presence on screen is immense - so icy and intense - you're genuinely terrified every time he swaggers into frame.
I was massively impressed by Widows. I suspect that it might be a divisive film. There are a few twists you could easily take contention with and the huge amount of themes and ideas covered could be seen as over-stuffing. But there is an awful lot to enjoy. It's a very different kind of heist movie, but these are some very welcomed changes. An intelligent voice speaking out about crucial issues through some outstanding performances.
4/5 Stars
*Also please be sure to follow me on Twitter (@T_F_T_S_R), Letterboxd (theboymarshall) and Instagram (thatsthemoneyshot) for more film-related fun.
When four criminals are killed in a heist gone wrong, their widows are forced to band together and pull off a heist of their own to clean up the mess left to them by their husbands.
One of the most interesting elements of this film is the blending of different tones and genres. There are so many aspects covered. The opening throws us right into some gripping heist action, a predominantly POV perspective. Immediately, you're hooked. But over the course of the film, McQueen slows the action beats right down. If you're expecting a zippy action caper รก la Ocean's 11, you will probably be disappointed. In place of quips and zingers, McQueen takes time to establish engaging, complex characters and explore some more mature themes. There's a focus on the ugly (and more realistic) side of crime - loss, grief and the fallout of your misdeeds.
This gambit would be bold enough on it's own, but as I said, McQueen doesn't hold back with the topics he's willing to cover. The backdrop of contemporary Chicago provides the perfect setting for insightful comments on political corruption, race issues, poverty. Some lines may feel slightly on the nose, but on the whole these issues are covered with respect and intelligence. One particular tracking shot is the most ingenious piece of visual storytelling that I have ever seen.
McQueen's deployment of this incredible cast must also be commended. It's very easy in large ensemble movies for certain actors or characters to disappear. Yet, of the embarrassment of riches available to him in the cast, McQueen ensures that each and every one of the characters makes a memorable and lasting impression. There are certain standouts of course. Viola Davis is tremendous in the lead role and will definitely be in the Oscar conversation. Each of the widows bring their A game, with Elizabeth Debicki particularly giving a gentle but vibrant performance. Daniel Kaluuya cements his place as one of the best young actors on the planet right now. His presence on screen is immense - so icy and intense - you're genuinely terrified every time he swaggers into frame.
I was massively impressed by Widows. I suspect that it might be a divisive film. There are a few twists you could easily take contention with and the huge amount of themes and ideas covered could be seen as over-stuffing. But there is an awful lot to enjoy. It's a very different kind of heist movie, but these are some very welcomed changes. An intelligent voice speaking out about crucial issues through some outstanding performances.
4/5 Stars
*Also please be sure to follow me on Twitter (@T_F_T_S_R), Letterboxd (theboymarshall) and Instagram (thatsthemoneyshot) for more film-related fun.
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