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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Iron Man

This is going to be a fascinating experiment, that’s for sure.

The interesting thing, to me, is that there are a couple of ways you can look at Iron Man. On one hand - it’s on the tail end of old school (god - am I really calling superhero films of the 00s old school?) comic book films. The X-Men and Spider-Man trio had wrapped up at this point. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight came out right at this time - and comic book films felt either super gritty or super tired. Looking at what’s around it - Iron Man feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s fun, funny, tense, heartwarming, action-packed, and just generally a good film. No, the villain isn’t that great - I couldn’t even tell you his name and I just watched it (though I can tell you Jeff Bridges was the actor). But Tony Stark is a complex character who does have a brilliant sense of charisma about him - and maybe that’s why I’ve always gravitated to Marvel films. Because it’s not about the dark complexity of its psychopathic villain (as compelling as that can be) but it’s about the growth of the character within the film.

It’s interesting to me that this is contemporaries with the Nolan Batman trio -- because Iron Man is, essentially, Marvel’s answer to Batman. And, yeah, I don’t really care that Batman will always be the more popular character. He’s too dark and brooding for me. Iron Man might be cut from the same cloth (super genius, billionaire, with parents who died early on) -- but man is he a romp. And there’s a great character arc within this movie, that feels much more human and flawed than the stoic and often cold Batman.

Anyway, on the other -- you have the beginning of this huge and layered universe. Of course - they didn’t fully know what it was going to be -- even with the (exciting) hints of SHIELD and Nick Fury popping up at the end, they must have had a vague plan if Iron Man did well at the box office, this is still very much a stand alone movie. That said -- and maybe this is hindsight speaking -- this film feels like the first chapter of something much bigger. And that’s the really cool thing about Marvel films -- they all build off each other, and this movie works fantastically as its foundation.

(Thinking a lot of the MCU in general this past week -- I’ve come to realize that MCU works more like a TV series than a movie franchise -- which I think is awesomely cool. And I kind of hope they are able to keep that feeling going.)

The original Iron Man feels simplistic, in a way, especially when looked at against the complex web that is Infinity War. And in many ways - it has more in common with its predecessors (the early X-Men and Spider-Man films respectively) than it does with the later Marvel movies. It’s an obligatory origin movie - its plot almost standard issue. But what makes it stand out is how it uses what we’ve come to expect about comic book movies and plays with it.

The strongest thing it has is a sense of humor, something the Marvel movies are really going to end up being known for. Snarky banter, great one-liners, unexpected beats of comedy that, yes, lighten the mood -- though I’ll argue that it doesn’t detract from the darker aspects of the story or the tension that is built throughout the film.

The other thing that stands out to me is how far we’ve come with special effects - and that it’s not necessarily a bad thing that we weren’t as advanced in 2008. Iron Man’s tech is gonna get extreme (and extremely CGI) in a few years, so it’s nice to have a film that has a ‘real’ feeling to it. Yeah, there was a lot of CGI here, too, but there were also some practical elements that grounded the movie, too. I’m not a huge action person (yeah, why am I watching these again?) but the thing I appreciate is that - yes, there are some great action sequences in this film -- but they never outshine the story. And the story is what matters at most.

So. Tony Stark. Robert Downy Jr, as everyone says for a reason, was born for this role. On paper, he could be incredibly unlikable -- but RDJ is able to masterfully pull off a sympathetic character without betraying the fact that this guy is, often times, a real asshole. And it’s funny - we’ve come so far with Iron Man (and yes, I’ve heard the criticisms that they keep playing the reset button) but I’ll argue that -- he has grown in a lot of ways over the years. Tony Stark is stumbling in every since of the world. And while he’s in his 40s in this movie, I’d say he was emotionally stunted keeping him mentally around a wild child of 22. And here (and of course over the years) he’s forced to grow into the godfather of the Marvel universe that he becomes.

I mean - at the end of the movie, he’s starting to figure things out. He and Pepper don’t have that grand sweeping kiss - but it’s slowly coming. He and Rhodey aren’t bffs /yet/. Tony Stark still has a long way to go before he can be apart of the Avengers - work with them and lead them, before he can have deep friendship with Steve Rogers that hurts when it’s broken, before he can mentor a young Peter Parker who will look up at him like a surrogate father. So yeah - there is a complete emotional arc here - but it’s just the beginning.

Meanwhile (and man does this movie benefit from not having a ton of cast members)... Pepper Potts. I still kinda wish we knew more about her - like, how did she get that job in the first place? But, and I can’t believe this is going to be written down - Gwyneth Paltrow does a really good job here. (Huh - maybe there was a time she could act.) And the banter between Pepper and Tony is incredibly engaging. I actually like the dynamic here - and really, I’m fine the little bits we get with her over the years since it’s never a central plot. But I also appreciate that it’s not about two hot people just finding each other attractive - but about two people who’ve essentially been together for a long time learning how to navigate real romantic feelings along with all the other ways they’ve bonded. It’s a neat twist on an otherwise cliche thing.

(And anyone else notice that Marvel, the longer it goes on, the more it kind of strays away from that normal romance narrative?)

Then there’s Rhodey. Hmm. I think, tbh, I’m just used to Don Cheadle and his interpretation. Terrance Howard’s Rhodey is a lot more of a straight man to RDJ’s Tony. And I’m not really sure that works for me. Are they friends? (I mean they learn to be) Does Rhodey feel like he’s just dealing with Tony and is sometimes amused? Howard feels slightly wooden here. (Oops, sorry, am I allowed to feel that?)

And then there’s Jarvis and all the tech pieces with personalities of their own. Kinda love this twist on the whole Alfred/Butler thing. Adds another layer of fun to it all.

As I stated above -- Jeff Bridges’s character (who I did go look up - Obadiah Zane?? Really?? Let’s just go with Iron Monger) is perhaps the weakest link. The fight stuff is cool, and god, can we talk about Tony having his own surrogate parent turn villain on him -- I mean, that puts a new spin on his relationship with Spidey -- but he’s kinda forgettable after this movie -- which is fine. It’s not about the villains anyway.

Some smaller notes:

Can we talk about the German doctor dying in Tony’s arms - and this is the first time he really understands human compassion?

I realize this stemmed from the 60s - but can we talk about Iron Man and the political commentary about weapons of mass destruction?

I’m not usually into this sort of thing - but I kind of liked the evolution of Tony’s suit throughout the film. The suit gets an arc, too!

The room where Tony and Pepper had their dance scene is the same room that will be used for Glee years (and years) later -- it’s used as the NYADA hall where they all sing their finals and where one Kurt Hummel will sing about Being Alive.

Final thoughts: This movie holds up for being ten years old! It’s not perfect by any means, and a bit formulaic, but it’s still a lot of fun.

Infinity Stones watch: Yeah - they’re not planting seeds of /that/ yet. But I do kind of want to see if I can keep track of them.

After the Credits: Nick Fury shows up and the fanboys lose their shit. It’s a good thing this movie did well. ;)

#mcu #s.o. reviews films #apparently I had a lot of feelings about iron man

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joecial-distancing · 3 years

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July Roundup

Lifestyle:

I’ve been getting back into running this summer. It’s been about 4 years since I’ve done any serious running, and I have been made painfully aware of the differences in my body at age 29 compared to 25. My knees hurt more, I need to attend to stretching much more seriously than I used to. I’m coming at the task with better self-knowledge than last time, though; I know how far and how fast I’ve been capable of pushing, and I find an enormous amount of comfort and strength from that familiarity.

I’ve also been applying to jobs, a process which started as nauseatingly daunting, but has gradually settled into just a regular chore of the week (ideally chore of the day, if I’m to keep up with new years resolutions). Getting a resume mushed into a satisfying shape has felt nice, as has getting together a form cover letter that I know hasn’t hurt my chances of getting my foot in doors. Annoyance Boxes checked off, and the rest is getting familiar with the rest of the grind. Interviews have been and will be the same process.

Games:

I’ve also been playing a lot of Sekiro. I’ve always “liked” Fromsoft games, but it’s been rare that I’ve been able to justify the time investment. There’s an appeal in the structure, endless chances to bash myself against a problem until it clicks, being able to run drills when stuck or inadequate (and there is a hook in the inadequacy; nothing frustrates me more than being unable to Just figure out a solution, or requiring too much time to get there. I have a tense relationship with time and deadline pressure. Impatience is one of my greatest vices). So with school finished, I’m diving into this as a treat to myself. The systems are fun, and the camera is so fucking awful that I get unreasonably angry about it. One thing I always do with these games that I think is anathema to a lot of their fans is to spoil myself on what I’m up against. In dark souls I would always have open area maps, rather than try to navigate the combat and exploration simultaneously. It put my mind at ease, I didn’t like the discomfort of the tension of untriggered surprise. And with Sekiro, I know roughly the zones I’m up against, I’m not above watching videos of the boss fights to learn the proper counters etc. No shame, no honor, that’s not what I get out of these games, really.

As with running, so with jobsearch, so with Sekiro, the method is diligence, the appeal is the pleasure of feeling my improvement over time. There is nothing more exciting to me than casually accomplishing something that I know would have annihilated me only a short time ago. I can finish 2 miles in 20 minutes, I want to get it down to 15. This also means the videogame tends to lose out on the priorities list—if I’m wanting to dedicate myself to practice, there’s almost always a different outlet that’d be better outcomes in the long run

very 8 of pentacles mood overall, lately.

Books:

I’m almost done with Pynchon’s Against the Day, which had taken up all of my Reading attention span this month. Unless it does something in the final 8% to lose me hard, it’ll probably clock in as my 2nd favorite of his stuff, behind Gravity’s Rainbow. Anarchism as expressed against American mining companies, European empires, and the Mexican state; searches for a lost paradise city; warfare between schools of mathematics; the nature of Light. At face value, it feels closest to Gravity’s Rainbow and Mason & Dixon, compared to the rest of his work (I know there’s a lot of subtext and referencing going over my head with all of these in terms of both history and literature; I noticed a lot of reviews of AtD focused about the variety of genre style work that he’s pulling from in certain sections, nearly all of which is lost on me. It has, however, been very fun to me that I’m able to keep up with the mathematic academia infighting depicted in this). There’s a “fairy tales coming to life” quality to all three, if instead of Grimms’ stories it’s historical models of the world: Supersonic rockets wreck the flow of pavlovian cause & effect, the destruction of natural landscape in the course of linear surveying becomes a direct conduit for a massive influx of evil energy, quaternion mathematics casting time as real and space as imaginary allow a yogi to contort himself out of sight and into the imaginary plane. The aether is experimentally disproven in the beginning of Against the Day’s timeline, which doesn’t stop holdout engineers and mystics from working wonders with it.

It feels like there’s about as much going on in here as GR, but where GR is claustrophobically overstuffed (which is also part of the reason it’s a better book) and Mason & Dixon gets kind of plodding, the material here is given space to breathe, without losing momentum. It probably helps that the characters in this are a.) numerous, and b.) unusually solid as far as Pynchon goes.

It’s also got many great examples of something else I really like about Pynchon, which is that he is willing to commit 110% to incredibly stupid jokes. There’s an Elmer Fudd reference in here that completely knocked me on my ass.

Viz:

Watched the Bo Burnham netflix, which was mostly pretty good, though I’m completely out of patience for ostentations self-awareness or fake debate where the ~comedian~ who’s concerned about being ~white privileged mannn~ feels guilty he might be ~taking up space~, doesn’t know that he ~deserrrrves it~... out of patience because I already know what he did with that guilt (if genuine) — he didn’t scrap the project, he released the fucking thing anyway. What am I to do with this, Bo Burnham? Would you like my permission? Would you like an “it’s ok dude” from people of marginalized groups within your audience? Why am I watching along for a decision you’ve quite literally already made? I don’t trust displays of vulnerability before an audience of this size.

Also watched through I Think You Should Leave, which... sure it’s funny, and also very effective at making me uncomfortable, which is clearly what it’s aiming to do, but. I don’t really get why it’s got such a strong cultural draw within the online spheres I’m normally checked into. Saw some discourse about how the quotability is somehow distinct from regular memeing, which, alright get over yourselves jesus christ.

speaking of flavors of the month, watched 50 shades and lmao. I’ve been told by a trusted source the books are worse which is hilarious.

also speaking of flavors of the [century], S.O. and I have been doing a rewatch of pre-MCU comic book movies, which has been some fascinating anthropology. It meant, though, that we had to sit through howard the duck, an absolutely wretched film. Other highlights so far: willem dafoe power rangers acting, the soundtrack on affleck daredevil (incl a fuckin choice Evanescence exercise montage), Blade & Blade II still hold up.

We’ve also made it to the final season of pre-reboot xfiles. Duchovny’s mostly gone from this last season, replaced largely by robert patrick of T1000 fame, who is a better actor but a worse character, dude’s basically just A Cop. The writing’s weirdly probably better than the last couple Duchovny seasons, but the show doesn’t work without him — his bad acting was the main thing keeping things together, the tone’s all off now.

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ihetalialovers-blog · 4 years

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DevilTube Influencer

Obey Me Headcanon

Rated: E

Length: 415

IF the cast of Obey Me characters were DevilTube influencer

Belphegor💜

•Lo-fi hip hop study mix live 24/7

•ASMR videos

Maybe he’ll be one of those 10 hours long “sleep music” channel. His sleepy voice is probably music to someone’s ear. Someday he’ll walk around town with MC or Beel and post ambient sounds of the Devildom street

Take a walk in the rainy street of Devildom

Let’s go dine in Hell’s kitchen (with MC)

Beelzebub❤

•MUKBANG! MUKBANG!

He mostly orders take-out but might cook in some of his videos (with Barbatos, Luke, or MC as a special guest)

• Work out videos

Because his thirsty subscribers asked. Probably get D Fuel’s sponsor due to this.

Most filmed location; the solitude dining room and the kitchen

Asmodeus💗

•Beauty channel

•Makeup tutorial, skin routine, beauty product reviews

Drama free! As the Avatar of Lust, everyone is charmed by him. No one dared to beef with him. MC forced as his model. Post OOTD every Saturday.

Might mess around and release his own makeup line!

Satan💚

•Read with Satan

does a regular reading but everyone call his channel ASMR??

•Podcast (video version)

Perhaps with Solomon. Occasionally have guests on the pod, his most viewed video feature Barbatos, one hell of a butler, and MC, the Devildom very own human, still waiting for Lord Diavolo to free his schedule.

•Randomly post cat videos on his stories

Leviathan🧡 [DEVILTUBE NUMBER ONE GAMER]

•Let’s Plays

•Sh!t Posting memes

Likely a Vtuber that use scalies character or cute waifu as his avatar, he’s planning to do a face reveal when the time is right. His first let’s play was either Call of Demon or The Older Parchment: Akurim. He has done collab with Rubezahl before.

•Monthly live stream game of his subscriber’s choice

Mammon💛

•PRANK VIDEOS

•King of clickbait!

CLICKBAIT TITLE

Stealing the Royal Artifact PRANK (GONE SEXUAL)

CLICKBAIT THUMBNAIL

Might throw MC and Lucifer’s face in there. Gotta get those view$$$$

Sometime feature the other brothers like Belphie or Satan. Likes to hop on the trend train. Slime? Yes! ASMR? Yes! Nitecraft? Yes! My S.O does my makeup? Yes! Cat girls? Yes?...

Lucifer💙

He’s a wild card! Accidentally walk into the brothers’ videos and the internet went bonker! They DEMANDED his presence. But does not comply to the demands. Instead, make a hidden channel:

• “Boyfriend ASMR”

Boyfriend cuddles you after a long day

Boyfriend cares for you while you’re sick

Just voice over no face-cam. He always send his teaser videos to MC😳 AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

🍒🎀𝐼 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝒪𝒷𝑒𝓎 𝑀𝑒 𝑒𝒹𝒾𝓉𝓈. 𝒞𝒽𝑒𝒸𝓀 𝒾𝓉 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒.🎀🍒

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thecurvycritic · 3 years

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Listennnnn!!!! I have had a crushie crush on this dude for decadesssss!!!! Which means I’ve seen every last one of his films including @stillwatermovie ! When I tell you Matt Damon is doing his thang and that he 1000% percent deserved that 5minute S.O. at the Cannes Film Festival!!! I kid you not! Be on the lookout for my review AND our interview in a few weeks💗💗💗💗 #stillwater #focusfeatures #hosts #entertainmentreporter #filmcritic https://www.instagram.com/p/CRnkXFgrPyz/?utm_medium=tumblr

#stillwater #focusfeatures #hosts #entertainmentreporter #filmcritic

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davidslepkow · 4 years

Link

We are currently reviewing hernia mesh lawsuits for individuals who are interested in pursuing compensation, justice and accountability in the United States Federal Courts. The Ethicon Physiomesh™ Hernia Mesh lawsuits in the United States are individual lawsuits. These individual lawsuits in the United States are now multi district litigation (MDL) consolidated in the Northern District of Georgia in front of the Honorable Honorable Richard W. Story, “for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.” *** Some individuals have opted to file lawsuits in various state Courts.

PHYSIOMESH CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN CANADA

In Canada, the Ethicon Physiomesh™ Flexible Composite Mesh litigation constitutes a class action. In Canada there was a mesh recall for Physiomesh. Many Canadian victims may be unaware of their potential right to utilize the Federal Courts in the United States to pursue justice and accountability as a result of defective hernia mesh. Can Canadian Ethicon Physiomesh hernia mesh victims file a hernia mesh lawsuit in the United States of America (USA)? Certain Canadian citizens, who are victims, may be able to file a mesh lawsuit in the United States.

Canada Hernia mesh lawsuit | Canada mesh class action

HERNIA MESH LAWSUIT ATTORNEYS

We are not attorneys in Canada. We do not represent any clients in the Canada Physiomesh class action. If you need legal advice concerning the law in Canada related to the Canadian Physiomesh class actions or Canada hernia mesh lawsuits or the Ethicon Physiomesh Class Action, contact a Canada hernia mesh lawyer.

The author of this article is attorney David Slepkow. David Slepkow is an attorney licensed to practice in front of the United States Supreme Court. David is also a personal injury lawyer licensed to practice In Rhode Island and Providence Plantations as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. David was a longtime member of the bar for The U.S. Federal Court, First Circuit, District of Rhode Island.

ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ HERNIA MESH: RECALL IN CANADA | MARKET REMOVAL IN THE UNITED STATES

The laws in the United States and Canada are different as far as product liability and defective hernia mesh litigation is concerned. On May 25th, 2016, Health Canada recalled Ethicon Physiomesh™ Flexible Composite Mesh from the Canadian markets. Recall and Safety Alerts PHYSIOMESH FLEXIBLE COMPOSITE MESH (2016-05-25) “Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances” About Health Canada “According to our mission and vision, Health Canada’s goal is for Canada to be among the countries with the healthiest people in the world.” Id.

CANADA CLASS ACTION- HERNIA MESH RECALL IN CANADA

According to cbc, “Siskinds, a law firm from London, Ont., is applying to certify a class action lawsuit on behalf of Canadian patients who have had problems with Physiomesh™” cbc According to cbc, “What happens is, we allege, is that it triggers major complications” Id. “It moves, and then people have mesh that’s either pulled apart or moved, and isn’t doing the job it was put in to do.” Id.

“According to the class action’s statement of claim in Canada, the plaintiffs allege that there is a “design defect” in the Physiomesh™ that causes it to contract, tear, or migrate, leading to such injuries as perforations, abscess and adhesion formations, infections, and the need for further surgery.” CTV

“These Canadian victims assert that there were not properly warned of the dangers of the device.” Id.

According to CTV news, “The device at the center of the claims is Ethicon’s Physiomesh™ Hernia Mesh which Health Canada recalled in 2016. The Canadian agency’s action came after it learned that recurrence and reoperation rates with the device were higher than those of other meshes.” CTV NEWS, Canaadian news

SUPREME COURT OF CANADA: “FAIR AND EFFICIENT RESOLUTION”

The Supreme Court of Canada underscored the importance of Class actions in Canada stating: “While the class action has existed in one form or another for hundreds of years, its importance has increased of late. Particularly in complicated cases implicating the interests of many people, the class action may provide the best means of fair and efficient resolution.” Western Canadian Shopping Centres Inc. v. Dutton, [2001] 2 SCR 534, 2001 SCC 46 (CanLII), <http://canlii.ca/t/520c>, retrieved on 2017-06-10.

Some provinces in Canada have enacted comprehensive legislation related to class action causes of action “And in Canada, the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec have enacted comprehensive statutory schemes to govern class action practice: see British Columbia Class Proceedings Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 50; Ontario Class Proceedings Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 6; Quebec Code of Civil Procedure, R.S.Q., c. C-25, Book IX.” https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/2001/2001scc46/2001scc46.html

If there is no comprehensive legislation,” Absent comprehensive codes of class action procedure, provincial rules based on Rule 10, Schedule, of the English Supreme Court of Judicature Act, 1873 govern. Western Canadian Shopping Centres Inc. v. Dutton, [2001] 2 SCR 534, 2001 SCC 46 (CanLII) https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/scc/doc/2001/2001scc46/2001scc46.html

ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ HERNIA MESH USED IN CANADA SINCE 2010

Physiomesh™ Flexible Composite Mesh has been surgically implanted into patients in Canada since September 2010. CTV Some Canadian victims in Canada have filed a class action against Ethicon Inc. Ethicon is a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson.

VICTIMS ACROSS CANADA | CANADA PHYSIOMESH RECALL

Victims across Canada including victim’s from: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Halifax and Hamilton may find the Hernia Mesh lawsuit information in this blog helpful in making important decisions concerning their claim for compensation. There may be thousands of victims across the following provinces: Canada: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador. Victims in Canada should consult with hernia mesh attorneys in the United States as well as Canadian Class action lawyers.

THE 411 ON THE CANADA ETHICON PHYSIOMESH RECALL

“Starting date: May 25, 2016 | Posting date: June 13, 2016 | Type of communication:Medical Device Recall | Subcategory: Medical Device | Hazard classification: Type II | Source of recall: Health Canada | Issue: Medical Devices |Audience: General Public, Healthcare Professionals, Hospitals | Identification number: RA-58846” http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/58846r-eng.php

ETHICON’S MARKET REMOVAL IN THE UNITED STATES

In the United States, on May 26th, 2016, Ethicon issued an “urgent” field safety notice concerning ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ Flexible Composite Mesh (All Product Codes). Ethicon is a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. These product codes are: PHY0715R, PHY1015V, PHY1515Q, PHY1520R, PHY1520V, PHY2025V, PHY2030R, PHY2535V, PHY3035R, PHY3050R. In that notice, Ethicon stated: “We have initiated a worldwide medical device removal of ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ Flexible Composite Mesh (for laparoscopic use) (“ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ Composite Mesh”).

THE LAWSUITS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE INDIVIDUAL LAWSUITS THAT ARE PART OF MULTI DISTRICT LITIGATION

The Panel on Multi District Litigation in the United States (US) ordered that “IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the actions listed on Schedule A and pending outside the Northern District of Georgia are transferred to the Northern District of Georgia and, with the consent of that court, assigned to the Honorable Richard W. Story for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings. Transfer order

More in depth information about the United States Individual lawsuits

WHAT IS PHYSIOMESH™FLEXIBLE COMPOSITE MESH BY ETHICON?

According to medline.com, “ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ Flexible Composite Mesh is a sterile, low profile, flexible composite mesh designed for the repair of hernias and other fascial deficiencies. The mesh product is composed of a nonabsorbable, macroporous polypropylene mesh laminated between two polyglecaprone-25 films. An undyed polydioxanone film provides the bond between the polyglecaprone-25 film and polypropylene mesh. The polypropylene component is constructed of knitted filaments of extruded polypropylene. An additional dyed (D&C Violet No. 2) polydioxanone film marker has been added for orientation purposes.”http://www.medline.com/product/PHYSIOMESH-Flexible-Composite-Mesh-by-Ethicon/Z05-PF47325

CANADIAN CITIZENS MAY BE UNAWARE OF THEIR RIGHTS TO PURSUE JUSTICE IN THE UNITED STATES’ COURT SYSTEM

Apparently, the vast majority of aggrieved Canadian Ethicon Physiomesh™ victims are not aware that they have the option of utilizing the United States Judicial system for compensation* “As Americans continue to file hernia mesh lawsuits, Canadians began their hernia mesh class action claiming they weren’t warned of the implant’s risks.” More info

IN UNITED STATES ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ CLAIMS ARE INDIVIDUAL LAWSUITS , NOT CLASS ACTIONS!

This is a very important distinction. These Ethicon Physiomesh™ in The U.S. are not a “class action” under United States law as defined by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, 28 U.S.C.A. § 23

WE ARE REVIEWING POTENTIAL CASES OF DEFECTIVE HERNIA MESH, MADE OF NON-ABSORBABLE POLYPROPYLENE THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED INJURIES, INCLUDING:

Ethicon Physiomesh™

Atrium C-QUR

Composix® Kugel® mesh patches (manufactured by C.R. Bard subsidiary Davol)

All C.R. Bard mesh patches made of Marlex polypropylene

PROBLEMS WITH CLASS ACTIONS

Class actions can be very problematic since individual claimants do not have control over their own case. Individual claimants may not have control over a settlement. Lawinfo sets forth one of the main problems with class actions: “Lack of decision making control. Class action lawsuits are, by definition, representative rather than group litigation. That means that representatives of the affected class make the important litigation decisions – including when to settle. A plaintiff who is not a representative does not have a say in whether to settle or continue to litigation.” Lawinfo Resource

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CLASS ACTION

“Class actions are a mechanism designed to provide access to the courts for claims that are too small to be prosecuted economically on their own,” said Robb, a partner in class actions at Siskinds LLP in London, Ont.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/household-finances/thinking-of-joining-a-class-action-lawsuit-know-your-options/article19777681/

“Class actions lump together all those who might meet the stated criteria for the class. A certified action has two phases. A first phase sorts out the “common issues” for all the class members, and the second looks at the individual circumstances for each class member. So while class actions do eventually look at an individual’s situation, this doesn’t happen until much later in the case. That “common issues” phase can take a long, long time. The controversy is whether it’s fair, post certification, to make all class members wait until that common issues phase wraps up before individual class members can settle their own claims.” http://business.financialpost.com/legal-post/the-opt-out-option-controversy

DO I NEED TO OPT OUT OF A CANADIAN CLASS ACTION?

Please consult with a Canadian class action hernia mesh lawyer whether you have to opt out of the class action. A Canada Ethicon Physiomesh™ hernia mesh attorney can explain your legal rights in Canada regarding whether you need to opt out of the Canadian Hernia mesh class action. A mesh recall is a serious matter and you should seek legal advice.

“Ontario is an “opt-out” jurisdiction. That means if a representative plaintiff succeeds in getting an action certified, potential members of the class are given a window of time during which they can declare that they want out. After this “opt-out” period expires, qualified members of the class action are in, whether they like it or not. Cue the Eagles … and welcome to the Hotel California.” Opt out info

“Canadian jurisdictions have adopted opt-out regimes subject to one exception to be discussed. The opt-out regime was adopted because of the widely held view that most class members are passive in the proceedings. Thus, to have an opt-in regime would have the effect of greatly diminishing the size of most classes in many instances because potential members would not take the necessary steps to have themselves included in the class or they might not have obtained actual notice at all. At the same time, opt-out regimes do permit class members who are actively opposed to the proceedings to exclude themselves if they are so inclined; few have done so. Class action

“Since the same witnesses and authorities will be relevant in each case, consolidating them makes sense. It also allows a Defendant to settle knowing that they will then not face individual claims later for the same thing. Once a class action is brought everyone who has a similar claim becomes a member of the class and subject to the findings in the class action lawsuit unless they specifically choose to opt out of the class action so they can bring their own claim.” http://adrworks.com/class-action-lawsuit/

CLASS ACTIONS IN CANADA

“Most class action claims settle and all settlements must be approved by the court and found to be in the best interests of the members of the class who are claiming. Individual class members may give input to the court when a settlement is proposed. This may include opposing the settlement especially if they would not benefit from it or if they believe the compensation is not adequate. Once a settlement is approved by the court people who are entitled then file claims which are assessed by a claims administrator in accordance with the settlement agreement. Once all claims are assessed it can be determined how much any person will receive as compensation. It may still take a long time from settlement to payment as many of our clients have experienced with the Vioxx case which settled with an agreement in January 2012, with court approval given in September 2012 and claims still being assessed almost to the end of 2015. Payment of those claims is now expected early in 2016.” http://adrworks.com/class-action-lawsuit/

Referring to transvaginal tape litigation, “Matthew Baer, a lawyer with the Siskinds Law firm in Ontario tells MDND they don’t have Multidistrict litigation in Canada, instead a person can file an individual claim or join a class action. In Canada, we file on behalf of one person and get that certified as it applies to everyone else. The individual issues will be sorted out down the road. It can take two years to be certified and we don’t get access to discovery until the case is certified. It is only after the class is certified that a Canadian law firm can move ahead on discovery getting documents from the other side. As the case proceeds individual are brought forward to represent the class like a mini-trial.” http://www.meshmedicaldevicenewsdesk.com/canadian-courts-take-aim-at-ethicon/

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF MESH REJECTION

According to CLG.org, “The alleged injuries, conditions and complications suffered due to hernia mesh products include, but are not limited to:

– Hernia recurrence – Chronic pain – Mesh contraction – Mesh migration – Scarring – Adhesions – Infection and abscess formation – Pain with sex – Testicle removal – Bleeding – Intestinal blockage – Fistulas – Hematomas – Seromas – Liver abnormalities – Perforations – Bowel obstructions – Dental problems – Autoimmune disorders” https://www.clg.org/Class-Action/List-of-Class-Actions/Hernia-Mesh-Injury-Canadian-Class-Action

*** The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) ordered that all Ethicon Psyiomesh hernia mesh causes of action are transferred to the Northern District of Georgia. “IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the actions listed on Schedule A and pending outside the Northern District of Georgia are transferred to the Northern District of Georgia and, with the consent of that court, assigned to the Honorable Richard W. Story for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings.” Transfer order

The Court reasoned that,“We are also not persuaded that informal coordination is a practicable solution here. Almost 70 actions are pending in 36 district courts, and dozens of law firms are involved in this litigation. Section 1407 centralization will place all actions before one judge who can structure pretrial proceedings to enhance efficiency and more effectively minimize overlap.” Id. ” Centralization will eliminate duplicative discovery; prevent inconsistent pretrial rulings; and conserve the resources of the parties, their counsel, and the judiciary.” Id.

THE RECEIPT OF SUCH HERNIA MESH INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AN ATTORNEY-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SLEPKOW SLEPKOW & ASSOCIATES INC. AND THE READER OR VISITOR. IN THE EVENT THAT ANY INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT FULLY CONFORM TO REGULATIONS, LAWS OR CASE LAW IN ANY JURISDICTION, THIS LAW FIRM WILL NOT ACCEPT SUCH CLIENTS.. IN CERTAIN STATES THIS HERNIA MESH ATTORNEY BLOG MAY BE DEEMED ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. WE AT SLEPKOW SLEPKOW ASSOCIATE’S INC..HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO COMPLY WITH ALL ADVERTISING LAWS AND RULES. THE RHODE ISLAND SUPREME COURT LICENSES ALL LAWYERS AND ATTORNEYS IN THE GENERAL PRACTICE OF LAW, BUT DOES NOT LICENSE OR CERTIFY ANY LAWYER / ATTORNEY AS AN EXPERT OR SPECIALIST IN ANY FIELD OF PRACTICE. WHILE THIS FIRM MAINTAINS JOINT RESPONSIBILITY, MOST CASES OF THIS TYPE ARE REFERRED TO OTHER ATTORNEYS FOR PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITY. David Slepkow is not licensed to practice law in Canada. This website does not constitute legal advice in Canada. David Slepkow is not an Ethicon Physiomesh™ Class Action lawyer in Canada.

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rhodeislandcaraccidentatorney · 7 years

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Canadians may file individual Hernia Mesh Claims in United States - Hernia Mesh Recall Attorney | Individual Lawsuits

Control your own Ethicon PHYSIOMESH™ individual lawsuit with a hernia mesh attorney in the US rather than being marginalized in a Canadian Class Action.

David Slepkow's insight:

Hernia mesh settlement 2017

In Canada, the Ethicon Physiomesh™ Flexible Composite Mesh litigation constitutes a class action. Many Canadian victims may be unaware of their potential right to utilize the Federal Courts in the United States to pursue justice and accountability as a result of defective hernia mesh.

Can Canadian Ethicon Physiomesh™ hernia mesh victims file a lawsuit in the United States of America (USA)? Certain Canadian citizens, who are victims, may be able to file a lawsuit in the United States.

Hernia mesh attorneys

We are not attorneys in Canada. If you need legal advice concerning the law in Canada related to the Canadian product liability class actions or the Ethicon Physiomesh Class Action, contact a Canada hernia mesh lawyer.

Hernia mesh settlement 2016

ETHICON PHYSIOMESH™ Hernia Mesh: Recall in Canada | Market removal in The United States

Canada Class Action

“These Canadian victims assert that there were not properly warned of the dangers of the device.” Id.

Supreme Court of Canada: “Fair and efficient resolution”

ETHICON Physiomesh™ hernia mesh used in Canada since 2010

Victims across Canada

The 411 on the Canada Ethicon Physiomesh™ recall

Ethicon’s Market removal in The United States

The lawsuits in the United States are individual lawsuits that are part of Multi District Litigation

More in depth information about the United States Individual lawsuits

What is Physiomesh™Flexible Composite Mesh by Ethicon?

Canadian citizens may be unaware of their rights to pursue justice in the United States’ Court system

In United States Ethicon Physiomesh™ claims are individual lawsuits , not class actions!

We are reviewing potential cases of defective hernia mesh, made of non-absorbable polypropylene that may have caused injuries, including:

Ethicon Physiomesh™

Atrium C-QUR

Composix® Kugel® mesh patches (manufactured by C.R. Bard subsidiary Davol)

All C.R. Bard mesh patches made of Marlex polypropylene

Problems with class actions

What is the purpose of a class action

Do I need to opt out of a Canadian class action?

Class actions in Canada

What are the complications

According to CLG.org, “The alleged injuries, conditions and complications suffered due to hernia mesh products include, but are not limited to:

The Court reasoned that “We are also not persuaded that informal coordination is a practicable solution here. Almost 70 actions are pending in 36 district courts, and dozens of law firms are involved in this litigation. Section 1407 centralization will place all actions before one judge who can structure pretrial proceedings to enhance efficiency and more effectively minimize overlap.” Id. ” Centralization will eliminate duplicative discovery; prevent inconsistent pretrial rulings; and conserve the resources of the parties, their counsel, and the judiciary.” Id.

ATTORNEY DAVID SLEPKOW AT SLEPKOW SLEPKOW & ASSOCIATES INC., ESTABLISHED IN 1932, IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS WEBSITE. SS &A’ S PRINCIPAL OFFICE IS LOCATED AT: 1481 WAMPANOAG TRAIL EAST PROVIDENCE RI. CLIENTS WILL BE NOT ACCEPTED IN THOSE STATES IN WHICH STATE BAR RULES DO NOT ALLOW. DAVID IS LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS AND THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. DAVID SLEPKOW WAS A LONGTIME MEMBER OF THE FEDERAL COURT FIRST CIRCUIT DISTRICT OF RI. THE HIRING OF AN LICENSED ATTORNEY IS A VERY CRUCIAL DECISION FOR A CLIENT. THIS IMPORTANT DECISION SHOULD NOT BE SOLELY MADE BASED ON ADVERTISING OR ON A WEBSITE. THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN ADVERTISEMENT OR SOLICITATION. INFORMATION, ARTICLES, CONTENT AND OPINIONS ON THIS WEBSITE AND BLOG IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR SOLICITATION OF LEGAL SERVICES. INFORMATION FROM THIS SITE OR IT’S TRANSMISSION IS NOT INTENDED TO CREATE AN ATTORNEY CLIENT RELATIONSHIP.

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myfunkybdaytv · 7 years

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Obasanjo Vs Awujale: A Delayed Showdown – By Azu Ishiekwen

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The book is nearly seven years in print but I didn’t get a hold of it until sometime last year. Someone very close, whom I had told I wanted to interview Kabiyesi Oba Sikiru Adetona, had sent a copy over to me in Abuja. He advised me to read the book before the interview.

I have since read the autobiography – Awujale – twice and was not disappointed. We have SaharaReporters to thank for an excerpt that removed the pin from the grenade. Anyone who has read Awujale might agree that it was a bomb waiting to explode.

The surprise is why it took so long.

In 17 chapters of lucid, clear-as-crystal writing in 275 pages, Adetona shares insights of his odyssey from the time he left Nigeria to study accounting abroad to his totally unexpected ascension to the throne at age 26; and from deeply personal family feuds to his adventure as Oba and businessman, and then from his deposition and return to his involvement in some of the momentous events in Nigeria’s contemporary political history.

In a number of instances, the details and candour were unsparing, with no room for indulgence, even for the Oba himself. For former President Olusegun Obasanjo though, it seems like a delayed time bomb.

I can understand Obasanjo’s anger and his concern to, in his words, “set the record straight,” especially in the part of the book brought to his attention that gave the impression that he maliciously disliked the Oba’s cousin and chairman of Globacom, Mike Adenuga; that he has interest in Obajana Cement Factory, and that he sometimes interfered with – or even misused – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on his watch.

If those who called Obasanjo’s attention to the book nearly seven years after an excerpt of it was published wanted to do him a favour, they should have given him a copy of the book to read first. That way he might not only have been obliged to respond, at great length, to the Adenuga part alone. He would also have had the benefit of knowing in full what Adetona said about him, especially his years in power.

From the book, the Oba appears to have formed his opinion of Obasanjo long before Adenuga applied for a GSM license, or before S.O. Bakare (mostly known by the name of his car marketing company, Oluwalogbon Motors) contributed to Obasanjo’s election campaign.

On page 174 of Awujale, for example, Adetona described Obasanjo as “a Judas” among the Yoruba, a name he called him twice in the book, the second time, according to him, straight in his face at a private meeting between the two of them in Aso Rock when Obasanjo was testing the waters for a third term.

In fact, on page 181, Adetona said he told Obasanjo that the former president was “no longer credible” even before he started his second term, in the presence of former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba.

At least two recorded incidents appear to have shaped Adetona’s harsh impression of Obasanjo. It was Obasanjo, he said, who first tried to get the former executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Professor Adebayo Adedeji, to contest to succeed former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, in 1991.

Adetona was initially opposed to the idea – as was Adedeji – because he said he thought Adedeji would be unable to find the money to run. But Obasanjo persisted and even travelled all the way to Addis Ababa twice to persuade Adedeji to run. He reportedly told Adetona not to worry about the money; that he, Obasanjo, would find it.

One thing led to another and it didn’t come off. It is not clear whether Obasanjo failed to keep his promise or whether Adedeji pulled out solely because Babangida out-manoeuvred politicians at the time.

Obasanjo’s lukewarm – some would even say hostile – attitude to M.K.O. Abiola’s victory at the June 12 poll, and the way he undermined Ernest Shonekan and canvassed an interim government, which he wanted to head, appear to have particularly annoyed the Oba.

Recalling what he said during one of the meetings he hosted in the early days of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Alliance for Democracy, Adetona said after telling the parties plainly that the next president must be a Yoruba man and one chosen by the Yoruba themselves, “I added further that I was giving the warning because I was aware that a ‘Judas’ had been found among the Yoruba, whom they (the Hausa-Fulani elements in the PDP) were trying to impose on us.”

He continued: “When they asked me who this Judas was, I replied that it was Olusegun Obasanjo.”

Obasanjo’s four-page reply to the Awujale did not cover this part of the book. It’s either his attention had not been called to it or he deliberately decided to focus on what he considered the most potentially damaging part. It may also well be that having grown a thick skin to public criticisms, he had come to terms with the ‘Judas perception’.

But as I said, Awujale is not a whitewash. Unlike what anyone who has read any of Obasanjo’s books, especially My Watch, would find, Adetona documented his own foibles, including how he bought a Benz on a whim; how he is a more successful grandfather than he was a father; how he almost killed himself with cigarettes, and the painful and distrustful relationship he had with his own brother.

He reserved a shaft or two for Chief Obafemi Awolowo with an honesty that grips you, and acknowledged with humility that even though he backed the wrong horse in the Ogun State governorship race in 1999 against Segun Osoba, he did so out of conviction.

Awujale is also not all bile for Obasanjo. Apart from acknowledging the role Obasanjo played in fixing one of the major roads to his domain, Adetona also recalled that it was Obasanjo who settled the rift between him and former Governor Bisi Onabanjo, the man who despised and dethroned him.

Who to believe?

Among Yoruba Obas in the last 50 years, the Awujale is one man who earned respect for speaking the inconvenient truth, even when it seemed dangerous to do so. He stood up to General Sani Abacha and his shenanigans, fought his dethronement in court and won, and never shied away from a fight, even with his subjects.

It didn’t mean he was always right, but you were never in doubt where he stood.

In a way, you could say the same of Obasanjo, except that he stands only where his personal interest lies – it’s Obasanjo first and last, and that makes him predictable.

In the rage of the controversy, not a few might be tempted to think that the book is about who owns Obajana Cement Factory, Obasanjo’s ingratitude to old friends, and his capricious use of power.

It’s all of that and more. For its detail and clarity, the book reminds me of the autobiography of the late Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa, “I remain, Sir, Your Obedient Servant.”

Awujale is one of the most forthright accounts of the personal odysseys of a traditional ruler who through longevity and other circumstances of life has earned immortality.

It will take more than a woolly four-page letter coming seven years later to undermine the value of the book.

Ishiekwene is the MD/Editor-In-Chief of The Interview and a board member of the Paris-based Global Editors Network.

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Dare Gbadebo www.naijaonlinetv.co.uk

Author: Dare Gbadebo is the publisher with the trademark darebaba.net is a versatile writer who had his media training based on photography at PEFTI film institute and has written for many top media houses in Nigeria. Stay tuned for your favorite celebrity news political updates and paparazzi. Darebaba on social media Facebook | Instagram | Google+

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Obasanjo Vs Awujale: A Delayed Showdown – By Azu Ishiekwen Obasanjo Vs Awujale: A Delayed Showdown - By Azu Ishiekwen

#Obasanjo Vs Awujale

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Ant-Man

Ant-Man is one of the few Marvel films I had not watched yet prior to this rewatch. And you know, it’s fun. It’s not ground breaking as a movie, or even a Marvel film -- and my god, watching all of these in a row makes it painfully clear just how cookie-cutter the structure of all of these films are. But - it’s a simpler film, which is entertaining for two hours - and the action sequences are interesting and original enough that I had a lot of fun with it.

I am a little surprised that with Paul Rudd at the helm, it wasn’t funnier than it was, but it has a lot of heart, and some good charm, so I’ll take it.

The emotional core of the story is a parallel father/daughter story between Hank Pym and his daughter Hope and Scott Lang and his daughter Cassie. Both of which I’m a little ‘meh’ on, but I don’t think either one is bad.

And I’m a little eye-roll-y at the villain, Yellow Jacket. How many bald-men super villains that want to destroy most of the population and control the world/universe/whatever can there be. I suppose this is comics, but it’s getting a little ridiculous at this point.

I suppose all the things I did like in this film are kind of the smaller things, so...

Smaller Thoughts:

Howard Stark and Peggy Carter at the beginning of the film -- I mean yes, let’s do that.

All of the heist elements in this were really what made it fun and unique among Marvel stories. Everyone is always so good and altruistic. It’s nice that Scott Lang walks along that line of morality.

I really loved everything to do with Falcon and the break in with the Avengers. And hilariously setting up Civil War. This film knows it’s place.

Evangeline Lilly is Evangeline Lilly in everything she does. I can’t unsee it. At least she has a decent chemistry with Paul Rudd.

Just give her a damn suit already.

We decided that Scott’s three friends are the true Warriors Three, and much better (more interesting) than the Asgardian Cosplayers.

I kind of love how easily this fits into the Marvel universe, as well as drawing from the comics. There were a lot of nice details in this one.

Final Thoughts: I mean, it’s much more entertaining than some of the earlier Marvel films. It does feel a little by the numbers. And I have to wonder if Ant-Man might work better within the texture of other characters than on his own. I feel like they’ve yet to really do magic with the character - but it’s a good start. And the simpler story is kind of refreshing since we’re sitting between Avengers 2 and Civil War

Infinity Stone Watch: None. But I mean, The Quantum Realm is playing a bigger role in the future, right? I mean, right??

After the Credits: Mid-credit scene - Hope gets the Wasp Costume. Well, good. After the credits scene - I’m pretty sure this is a clip from Civil War -- and where Falcon tells Cap he knows a guy *wink wink*

#mcu #s.o. reviews films #civil war is still tonight

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Black Panther

Alright - here we are, the end of the line. I can’t believe I’ve spent all month watching MCU movies - not a bad life choice though.

It was nice to finally get to see this one - since everyone’s been telling me for ages that it’s a good film. And I agree! It’s a really good film! The interesting thing about this film, beyond being a movie about superheroes, is the layer of political and sociological conversations this movie brings up - and I think that’s a good thing! Comic book stories have often had a layer of political conversation within them - and I think Black Panther does a great job of bringing to that to the forefront without it feeling overly preachy. I also hope that Marvel keeps up this trend with this and Captain Marvel to branch out into stories about more than middle-aged white dudes with rich people problems.

Meanwhile, it’s the characters, as usual that I really enjoy. Here’s my thing. T’Challa is a great character - and his arc of understanding what it is to be a king is great - as well as it’s interesting that it’s not so much about being a superhero as it is being a leader who happens to have superhero(ish) powers, which is an interesting twist. And then Killmonger - who’s a fantastically complex and interesting villain. One who I think i well matched for T’Challa.

But you know what my favorite aspect of this film was? All the women! This film has so many fantastic women in it there are entire scenes were just women are talking to each other. Nakia as a spy, who also makes T’Challa dumbfounded where he stands cause she’s amazing? Yes, let’s do this. Okoye - who is one of the most bad ass warriors! Um, yup. And then Shuri - as the scientific mind behind everything. Probably my favorite character in the whole thing. Just - yes, yes, yes, Marvel keep doing this, okay? Okay.

Smaller Thoughts:

Okay, so the Tolkien fan in me did appreciate the couple of scenes with Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman in the same scene.

I appreciate that even the more serious entries of the MCU - there’s room for good humor.

I’m gonna need to watch this again so I can pick up on more details, admittedly, I was really tired when I watched it - and it deserves a closer watch.

Final Thoughts: This is a good film - yes, Marvel, keep expanding your story telling in different and important ways.

Infinity Stone Watch: None, but this film makes way for the setting of Infinity War.

After the Credits: Mid-credit scene is Wakanda joining the UN. Post credit scene is Bucky chilling and looking much better with life in Wakanda.

#mcu #s.o. reviews films

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Guardians of the Galaxy

Welcome to the MCU Space Andy Dwyer.

So. It was bound to happen eventually -- Marvel has a vast sci-fi/space aspect to it, and if they were going to go with Thanos, there needed to be a way introduce the whole space-opera element that is found quite a lot in the comics. I the GOTG does a pretty good job of it, actually, and I mean - the last forty minutes or so feels like it’s a Star Wars film a little too much for me, and I’m not that big on space soap operas in the first place, but I can say that I enjoyed this film more the second time than I did the first.

It helps that I have a better understanding of what’s going on -- fueled by, of all things, Infinity War more than what came before this film in the mythos.

You know what’s interesting about this film? It’s the first time in a while that the plot is pretty straight forward. Star Lord steals the orb, bad guy wants it, everyone’s after it, Star Lord Loses the orb to the bad guy, they defeat the bad guy and get the orb back. See - Marvel can sometimes accomplish simplicity. Sorta.

Now that I think of it, I’m not entirely sure I’m the best audience for this film. Besides the space stuff, this film is known for two other things - the humor and the soundtrack. The humor is hit and miss for me. There are some downright generally hilarious things (mostly Rocket), and then some stuff that feels low-brow, 8yo boy sense of humor and I’m like - I get it, I just don’t think it’s that funny. Meanwhile, people go crazy over this soundtrack. I mean, there are some fun tracks, but it’s just not my favorite? Maybe I have to be of a certain age? Lol - Idk.

Meanwhile, like all Marvel movies we do have some great character stuff in here, and the characters and their dynamics are, as most of the time, more interesting than the plot itself. I feel weird (and maybe a little guilty saying it) but I think Star Lord is my least favorite of the Guardians. I wish I liked Chris Pratt more than I do - I’m sorry I’M SORRY! I do like Zoe Saldana - and Gamora is an interesting character - though I think she’s better fleshed out going forward. I’m back and forth on Drax. Sometimes there are great things, others not. Still, I can’t help but feel like there’s an Inigo Montoya vibe about him.

And then there’s Rocket and Groot. They are precious little muffins and I adore them - and really are what make the film stand out (to me) from being an otherwise somewhat standard sci-fi/Star War-ish film.

So. Then the villains. Here’s my thing. We get our first peak at Thanos. That’s nice, fine, whatever. But Ronan. And Nebula to a lesser degree. I don’t even know... This entire film is quirky and weird and maybe too action heavy for me, but it’s kind of tongue-and-cheek the whole way through. And then we get these incredibly overwrought villains, whom I have taking seriously cause the tone is just so contradictory to the feel of the rest of the film. I kind of can’t take it seriously.

Or maybe I just miss Loki. Idk.

Smaller Thoughts:

Well - if you want to understand Infinity War - GOTG is a must. We get a break down of what the Infinity Stones are.

How much fun do you think Glen Close had making this film?

The whole bit with Rocket wanting the leg - possibly my favorite part.

I AM GROOT!

Final Thoughts: It’s a good film - and a nice introduction to the spacey side of Marvel. I think fans of straight up sci-fi will enjoy it more than I did, but that’s just personal preference.

Infinity Stone Watch: Well - the plot centers around The Power Stone, which was in some place when Star Lord stole it and ends up with NovaCorp. Yeah, they do a great job of keeping it safe. Meanwhile, the Collector still has Reality Stone, Hydra has the Mind Stone, and Loki has the Space Stone. Yeah, I’m not surprised Thanos got all these.

After the Credits: This is the first credits since... Iron Man 2? To have just straight up credits. The after scene is Howard the Duck, which I assume is a joke instead of a tease. Please Marvel - do not bring back Howard the Duck.

#mcu #s.o. reviews films #i'm tired so this isn't that coherent

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Thor Ragnarok

Ah man, it’s nice to be done with this before 1am, lol.

This revolution has been a huge success. Yay us!

Well. It’s about time we had a good Thor movie. Thor surely deserves it.

I have a lot of varied scattered thoughts though. Hm, where to start...

The first time watching this film, knowing nothing really about it other than people seemed to really enjoy it, I had an absolute blast. I mean - it’s so funny, and relaxed for as heavy as the story is. It’s story is strong and had a lot of heart for all the humor and crackiness that’s injected into it. The second time through, tbh, around all the Planet Hulk stuff, I found I wasn’t enjoying the film as much as I did the first -- but the second half really pulls it together, and I’m sitting at the end as happy with it as I was the first time through.

I have to address one thing - that I noticed on the second time through that I suppose stood out to me more so than it did the first? There are parts of this film that feel, well, kind of out of a cheesy 90s fantasy TV show (with a 70s score). And I have to wonder if this was purposeful. I mean - there are some fantastic CGI shots and set pieces that are definitely not cheap - and even though there were somethings that reminded me of Xena Warrior Princess - it still felt like there was a bigger budget to it all? Idk - It was weird cause the movie kept shifting and I think that’s the biggest thing that pulled me out of it.

But! The story though. I mean - Thor finally gets to have a great arc in one of his own movies. I mean, he loses his dad, and his hammer, and his hair, and his eye, and his home and it’s a crazy lot - and I’m glad that they even show that he’s not really dealing with all the emotions well, but wants to be there for his people above all else. And I kind of love that. And of course there’s this metaphorical aspect of -- yeah, the Thor franchise just isn’t working - let’s burn it all down and laugh while we do it. But from the ashes comes a fantastic character - and I am grateful for that - because the Thor at the end of this film leads into Infinity War - and he ends up having one of the best arc in that movie because of the events in this one.

Meanwhile... Loki, our favorite trickster -- he and Thor still have the best relationship in the movie! I always enjoy Mark Ruffalo. I’m a little indifferent towards Hulk, and don’t really care much for the whole Planet Hulk sideplot, but since fans of Hulk probably won’t ever get a second film, I won’t begrudge this nod to the comics. Valkrie is a fantastic addition - I love her story, I love that she isn’t a love interest, and I love that Marvel is finally getting more complex women into these stories. And then Idris Elba finally gets something to do -- I think this was actually his strongest role, even if it is still limited. The only weak spot was Karl Urban, who doesn’t get much to do, but hey, I like Urban and am always glad he pops up in all these franchises.

Then Cate Blanchett kills it as Hela. It’s nice to have a villain who isn’t so damn serious in her attempt to take over the world. She kept things light and interesting a she was mass murdering everyone. And then there was Jeff Goldblum -- who Jeff Goldblum’ed all over the place and was delightful as usual.

Marvel really keeps on getting stronger with these films as they go on...

Smaller Thoughts:

While I agree that they needed to go, I do wish the Warriors Three had a little bit better death scenes.

Didn’t miss Natalie Portman either. They knew what they were doing cutting the dead weight off the franchise.

Bruce Banner wearing Tony Stark’s clothes.

Krog! You darling weird alien thing.

The Dr. Strange cameo was brilliant -- I want more Dr. Strange in things.

My headcanon is that Valkyrie is a lesbian. Or at least bisexual.

Also the death of the Valkyrie is the most beautiful shot in the film - one of the geniuses of this film is that they know when to take something seriously.

Oh that play with Matt Damon and Liam Hemsworth, lol

I would like some fanfiction about Odin being locked in a senior citizen’s home.

They mention how Mjolnir was made in the heart of a dying star. This movie knew it’s place in the MCU.

Ragnarok - the end of all things...

Final Thoughts: It’s a great film, a good comedy, and one of the most enjoyable entries in the MCU. Good for you Thor!

Infinity Stones Watch: Well. The Space stone is hanging out in a vault the whole time - until Loki steals it. Thor mentions seeking them out at the beginning, but he didn’t get very far. Also, that fake infinity gauntlet.

After the Credits: Thanos. Damn. Then the end credits - More Jeff Goldblum - Goldblum’ing.

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Thor - The Dark World

Oh Thor, I’m just not sure what to do with you. (As of right now...)

On the one hand, this film is way better than the original. On the other - it still seems like they’re struggling with what to do with Thor thematically. This film feels almost as muddled as the first one.

First of all, I mean damn Marvel - I realize you’re based on comic - and I know just how convoluted comics can be. I’ve read most of canonical X-Men. But it’s like you’re trying with each film to make each plot even more complicated than the first. Okay - so this may not reach Iron Man 3 levels, but I still had a hard time following the details. Big strokes, though, Dark Elf dude wants revenge from the death of his family, and plans on using an astronomical even to make it happen. And an Infinity Stone.

But they movie spends so much time trying to explain it all -- does it work? Do I really understand what’s going on? How does the Aether work? Why is it /in/ Jane Foster? What does the Convergence have to do with anything if the Aether is the Reality Stone and it can warp reality anyway? How is Jane playing with physics? I don’t know - it’s all hurting my head.

The other thing that kind of bugged me while watching -- we’ve gone, like, two (and a half?) movies - and Thor really hasn’t had much of a story arc. I mean, no he’s not a spoiled pain-in-the-ass that he was in the first film, but I still don’t feel like he’s gotten much to do other than hitting things with his hammer. I mean, there are chunks of this film that he’s not even in. It’s weird to want more for the main character of the movie.

Anyway. Ignoring the main (ridiculous) plot, there are elements or seeds of elements that actually work for me.

There’s more of a mythological and fantastical element to this film. I love things with great mythologies -- and Thor is a freakin’ Norse Myth itself - I’m glad they did a little more with it. Plus, Asgard looks less like a collection of TV fantasy shoes, and more like a place people actually live. While I side-eye the need to come back to Earth, I’m glad that Earth wasn’t a huge place they stayed.

Meanwhile, while the romance angle was still a bit half baked - I like Darcy and her Intern. And even Selvig was pretty entertaining. It’s hilarious to me, also, that there’s like this weird little rom-com going on with Thor and Jane. I mean - now I want to see an actual rom-com with Thor and Jane. It’d be so much more satisfying.

Anyway -- Odin’s still a dick, but the family dynamic in general is still the best element of these films. I’m glad Rene Russo’s Friega (the Mom) character was given something more to do.

But mostly - Loki, even with minimal screen time, steals the show. The relationship between Thor and Loki is by far the best thing going on in this film - and the best sequence of the film was when they were escaping Asgard. I mean -- I’m not sure I even have a lot to say other than -- YES! This good -- keep doing that. Tom Hiddleston is a treasure and I’m glad Thor 3 finally figures out that this dynamic is a huge key to making Thor (as a franchise) interesting. (The other keys are humor, Hulk, and women warriors)

Smaller Thoughts:

Idris Elba doesn’t get enough to do in these films.

The guy who directed this worked a lot on Game of Thrones. You know, I kinda can tell.

The Captain America cameo was priceless.

I thought this was the first MCU movie to pass the Bechdel test -- but apparently that was Iron Man 2. Huh. (Oh, it’s Pepper and Black Widow discussing business.)

I’m sorry Lady Sif and the Warriors Three were never really developed. They were at least given some better (re: more interesting) things to do here. But I understand why they’re discarded so easily in Ragnarok.

During the post credits scene where Jane and Thor kiss - that wasn’t Natalie Portman. It was Chris Hemsworth’s wife. Damn. No wonder there was so much heat in that.

Final Thoughts: We’re getting there with Thor, but we’re not there yet.

Infinity Stone Watch: Well... This entire movie was about the Reality Stone (which is the Aether). I’m not sure if I can explain how it’s used, but, you know, it’s there... The Space Stone (Tessaract) is still on Asgard. And the Mind Stone is in a Shield Lab?

After The Credits: The Mid-Credit scene is Lady Sif giving the Reality Stone to the Collector. I didn’t think they considered the Aether the Reality Stone and just retconned it - but I stand corrected. It specifically states that two Infinity Stones shouldn’t be in the same place. Huh. Long game, wow.

The after credits scene is Thor coming back to Jane. It’s a little weird to have this as an after credits scene. Especially so when Thor and Jane are done after this. So I’ll just kind of ignore that (sorta?) plot point and enjoy how passionately Chris Hemsworth kisses his wife.

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3: A Christmas Story

This is a hard movie to really ground myself in an opinion. I’m.... conflicted about it in a lot of ways. There are some really, really good things here. And then there are some really awful things, too.

The interesting thing about the Phase One movies (as varying in quality as they were) they not only established the characters - but there was a clear direction in the assembling of the Avengers. Phase Two, I don’t believe, doesn’t have the same kind of focus - and if anything, it’s more geared towards long term goals of Infinity War than Avengers 2. The funny thing, though, is that this next batch of stories is more about the characters own little bubble worlds -- but they don’t/can’t exist like that anymore. We’re to the point that absences feel jarring.

Anyway - more to the point of this particular film.

The thing I really liked -- Tony and his inner demons. Look, I know more people probably wanted Iron Man in general, but I loved this Tony -- struggling with PTSD, and what happened to him in the Avengers. I loved that he was stripped down to just him and his wits and having to work with a 10yo to get himself back together. All of the characterization that Tony went through in this film was by far the best part of it. I could have done with two hours of this stuff and less of the actual plot plot.

I also liked that Don Cheadle is more comfortable in his role as Rhodey - and I’m totally here for Tony and Rhodey’s friendship. Wish there had been even more of it.

Then there’s all this other stuff. I think this film works extremely well on first watch through. It’s tense - the Mandarin is incredibly effective, dark, and down right scary upon first watch. But once you know the twist -- I’m not sure it really holds up upon rewatch. As for the big Mandarin reveal? I mean - I’m a little torn. I did think it was funny. But I’m not sure how I’d feel if they pulled that in X-men with, say Magneto. Idk, idk. But, I mean, since he’s never coming back anyway - why not?

As for the Aldrich Killian and the Extremis virus stuff -- it’s fine. I don’t really like the super glowy bad guys (they just felt almost like robots - and it distracted from an otherwise very grounded film). And the plot seemed overly complex for the sake of it at times. But - it was fine. The only thing I really didn’t like was the waste of the female scientist. She’s used by Tony, then used by Killian, and then easily discarded. It bugged me.

Then, let’s see -- oh right, Pepper. **sigh** I don’t know. It’s the first time it’s felt more like a Gwyneth Paltrow cameo more than Pepper Potts. I feel slightly cheated that they reverted back to superhero tropes of the girl getting kidnapped and needing to be saved. I mean they get a few points for letting her be in the Iron Man suit and taking down Killian at the end. Just -- it seems like they weren’t really sure what to do with her. And the relationship stuff is just -- murky at best? I’m fine with them just working it out in the end cause I don’t really need to delve too much into that mess.

Meanwhile - the ending might be the most peculiar thing of the movie. First of all, the ending sequence felt like it dragged a bit on. I saw the thought floating around a while ago that Marvel - you don’t need a 30 minute action sequence at the end of your film if it sacrifices good character moments - and I second that. However, I don’t mind all the suits being used. But then there’s the whole -- I’m blowing up all the suits and having surgery and that’s the end of Iron Man.

Narratively, it makes sense as the end of the Iron Man trilogy. It wraps up and feels final. But... Iron Man’s gonna be back in Avengers 2. So... Huh? Okay, fine. I suppose it’s best not to think about it too much.

Smaller Thoughts:

I liked the kid. Whatever. Precursor to Tony as Dad and mentor to Spidey.

Reference to Thor made by the villain!

I’m kind of surprised there were no other cameos from other MCU characters.

Final Thoughts: This feels like a fitting end to the Iron Man trilogy, but it’s slightly awkward in it’s placement within the MCU. We get some amazing Tony Stark characterization, but a ridiculous and convoluted plot.

Infinity Stone Watch: None that I can think of -- everything is where we left it.

After the Credits: We see that Tony’s going to therapy (which - yeah, he should probably do) however it’s with Bruce Banner (!!) and Mark Ruffalo is just falling asleep listening to Tony talk cause, you know, he’s not that kind of doctor.

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: The Avengers Age of Ultron

Welcome! To the Age of Ultron. Or, maybe more like, two and a half days of Ultron. ;)

I can kind of understand why this film broke Joss Whedon’s brain. I mean, not only does it have the weight of the first Avengers film, but it also has to encompass everything that came before it and (from what I can see here) set up Civil War, Black Panther, Thor Ragnarok, and Infinity War. I can only imagine what kind of craziness would go into trying to come up with something worthy enough. Age of Ultron, to be perfectly frank, is not the Avengers. It doesn’t have the wit or the emotional satisfaction or Loki - but in all honesty, I don’t think it could have reached The Avengers’s level of perfection.

But that said, I also think it’s a pretty good film. I think it suffers mostly from, unfortunately, being the middle chapter of a larger story - introducing characters where need be, while setting up for other things. Can Ultron stand on it’s own? I mean more so than Infinity War, but maybe not really.

My usual gripes are my usual gripes. Some of the action is draggy - though this time it’s more so in the middle. Like the whole Hulk vs Iron Man thing that takes up ten minutes? But the ending sequences actually really work for me. Meanwhile - Ultron is... I mean, he’s better than a lot of the other Marvel villains. James Spader does give him some life, and being modeled after Tony Stark’s psyche gives it an interesting layer. But I suppose only Loki will be Loki. (Though, Hela works. And so does Thanos. Hm.)

Btw - these villain plots are beginning to run the same. Ultron wants to destroy the human race for the better of the human race. I mean, Robert Redford wanted to do something similar in Cap 2 and we all know what Thanos is up to.

Anyway - predictably, my favorite aspect is the characters and their dynamics. Tony Stark is still having some PTSD issues apparently. And, man, I really want to, at some point, have a longer conversation about Tony, because he has, by far, the most consistent and thorough through line in the MCU -- even if it doesn’t totally explain the swing from the end of IM3. But yeah - creating Ultron by accident makes a ton of sense. Oh Tony...

Meanwhile... Thor’s back...and having visions of Ragnarok. Cap, um, doesn’t have a lot to do, but he’s still Cap. Bruce and Natasha have a romance going and -- I mean, okay. I actually don’t hate this, but I do think it’s completely out of nowhere, and doesn’t really work when you kill it as fast as you set it up. And that leaves Hawkeye -- who actually gets something to do! And has a family!! I know fanboys hated it. I liked it. Whatever.

Actually, the only really frustrating development was Black Widow. While I enjoyed seeing more of her and her backstory, I feel like there were elements that slid her backwards -- not picking up the hammer, getting kidnapped and having to get rescued, the whole playing the token girl thing. C’mon, let’s move on from some of these tropes already.

Anyway -- we get our introduction to Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, both of whom I like more now than I did at the time. I think Scarlet Witch needs more development going forward - but it’s nice to have another female on screen.

And then there’s Vision. I like Vision. I don’t even know if I have a reason. Maybe my reason is Paul Bettany. Idk, but I’m here for Vision.

Smaller Thoughts:

It’s been how many years and I still don’t get Scarlet Witch’s power set.

Not so sure I understand Vision’s either, but that’s okay.

So I guess Marvel and Fox came to an agreement where Marvel get’s Scarlet Witch and Fox gets Quicksilver. That makes sense to me.

Oh, god, can we talk about Fury’s convo with Tony about what Tony’s greatest fears are... that everyone dies and he’s left alone. I mean, seriously?!?

Also -- let’s talk about Cap’s vision, and going back to that last dance with Peggy. I mean...

The fact that you can put Mjolnir in an elevator and it’ll still go up.

Hawkeye: The city is flying and we're fighting an army of robots. And I have a bow and arrow. Nothing makes sense.

Wasn’t really into the whole New Avengers thing at the end - but, uh, it doesn’t last long anyway, so no worries.

ANDY SERKIS!

I’ve always wondered what was stronger - Vibranium or Adamantium.

Final Thoughts: I feel like I don’t have profound things to say about this one. It’s good. It works. It’s not great or perfect or hitting you right in an emotional spot, but it’s still a lot of fun.

Infinity Stones Watch: They actually talk about the stones! They figure out that Loki’s scepter holds the Mind Stone - and it eventually is in Vision. Meanwhile, the Power Stone resides on whatever planet that was in GOTG, the Reality Stone is held by the Collector, and the Space Stone (Tessaract) is hanging out on Asgard.

After the Credits: The mid-credit scene is a tease of Thanos with the Infinity Guantlet. There is not an after credit scene. I kinda feel cheated, Joss Whedon. ;)

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Doctor Strange

If Guardians of the Galaxy was introduction to the space part of Marvel - Doctor Strange is an introduction to the truly magical (or as they say mystic) side of Marvel. And, I mean, when I first heard they were doing this film, I was like - well, yeah, Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect for the role. Also, how in the world are they going to explain... oh.

This movie, well, goes into some bizarre places -- which makes sense because I’m pretty sure the dudes writing Doctor Strange were doing a ton of drugs when they wrote the character. But what I like about this film is that it there does seem to be rules and for as far out concepts as it shows - and some truly trippy sequences, it always brings it back to a firm reality - which is good.

I generally like this film. Doctor Strange goes on an almost Iron Man-esque quest (I mean, I believe he out ego’s Tony by a bit) and by the end of the film - he isn’t the epitome of likable but he’s had his small world expanded in a good way. Tilda Swinton is a joy to watch as the Ancient One. Mads Mikkelson makes a pretty good villain - even with all that eye make up. I think only Rachel McAdams is the weak one - not because she’s bad in the role, but because the role feels obligatory - to give Strange a connection before he goes on his journey.

The first third and the last third of this film really works. Origin stories are hard - and they have to jam a ton of stuff into two hours. I think the first portion, setting up who Strange is, is really great character work (as I enjoy in all my Marvel films), and the last third - the unique encounter with the ultimate bad guy and the time loop - is a refreshing way to end something, because some times the choreographed punching sequences can get a little repetitive. And it’s nice that someone in the Marvel universe uses their cleverness to outwit the bad guy. I appreciate that.

The middle third feels rushed. Like - really rushed. Like - here’s all these mystic concepts, and we have to get Strange from not being able to do everything to - he can take over the Sorcerer Supreme role in forty minutes. The transition feels a little too quick to be believable, and maybe I wanted more exploring of this new, crazy world we’ve been thrown into.

Aesthetically, though, the film is incredibly compelling. And even though now that I’ve seen it twice, I’m still not sure I get all the mystic elements they were trying to explain, I think they did a great job at visually expressing what Doctor Strange comics are all about.

Smaller Thoughts:

Fun fact: Rachel McAdams played Irene Adler in RDJ’s rendition of Sherlock Holmes. That doesn’t have anything to do with anything - I was just like, huh, when I thought about it.

I like Wong. He needs to have more to do going forward.

That is the most bizarre set up for a library.

The music of this film is really gorgeous - the sound tracks don’t usually stick out to me (which is unfortunate) but this one did. Of course, this is Michael Giacchino - who wrote the Lost score, so we’re in good hands here.

I think they should do a sequel so they can introduce Clea - just because I’m fascinated as to how they’d do that.

Final Thoughts: It’s a good, solid film. It’s not Marvel’s best, and it’s definitely not its worst. But I do think Doctor Strange will benefit the most playing along side other Marvel Characters.

Infinity Stone Watch: Alas - we have a story around the Time Stone, which Doctor Strange becomes the protector of. It’s even called Infinity Stone by Wong. I’m kinda curious as to how the Sorcerer Supreme got a hold of it. Meanwhile, as a recap, the Mind Stone is in Vision’s head. The Space Stone is on Asgard. The Reality Stone is with The Collector. And the Power Stone is being held by NovaCorp.

We’re pretty much set for Infinity War now, aren’t we...

After The Credits: The mid-credit scene is Doctor Strange and Thor - a tease for Ragnarok. I kinda felt this was lazy, since it’s a clip from the next film, but watching the DVD extras, they wanted to tease Strange in the MCU, so I suppose that’s fair. Meanwhile, the after credits scene is Mordo becoming a villain - which he is in the comics, and setting up a possible sequel.

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spaceorphan18 · 6 years

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MCU Rewatch: Iron Man 2

I haven’t seen this movie since it came out nine years ago and my memory was really sketchy on it - which is nice, because long iterations between viewings make a movie feel fresh. I went in with the understanding that this was another one of the weaker chapters of the whole MCU, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s really not a bad chapter. It’s definitely a major step up from The Hulk. However, it does somewhat suffer from the sequel syndrome - where you have to make everything bigger and brighter and louder - but that doesn’t always mean it ends up better.

The first Iron Man film is a tight and simple story that keeps its momentum through the entire film. Iron Man 2 kind of meanders around, not sure what kind of film it really wants to be, and when it can’t figure it out - it blows something up instead.

Robert Downy Jr and his fantastic portrayal of a struggling Tony Stark. As it’s well known, I enjoy character arcs over action plots. And I liked following Tony’s journey on this one. Being Iron Man has extenuated some of his less than finer personality traits. As Black Widow will eventually report - he is a casebook narcissist and while he’s made some progress doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a long way to go. During the film - Tony thinks he’s dying (until he’s magically not) and so a lot of the film is his last reprieve. But what I think is the most interesting is the fact that by the end of the film - Stark starts to get out of this mentality that he’s in this on his own. Which is kind of cool - because this is a shared universe - and he’ll definitely not be the only superhero around.

In addition - there’s more on is his issues with his dad, and kind of piecing together Stark’s past and dissecting the ways he both resents and has become his father is pretty intriguing.

Iron Man 2 doesn’t have a ton of action (until the end), which can be jarring coming from the original which was nearly all action. But I do like the character building and growth (and sometimes steps backwards) that Tony Stark goes through.

Meanwhile... Tony and Pepper’s bantering is still spot on. I kind of side-eye the whole ‘save the girl’ moment at the end of the film, but for the most part their story continues to work for me.

I like Don Cheadle a whole lot - but I can almost tell this version of Rhodey was written for Terrance Howard originally. Rhodey’s still a little strict and militant - but I do like that Cheadle will soften the role as Rhodey and Tony become really good friend.

I forgot to mention Happy last time! Played by director Jon Favreau. I don’t have much to say other than I enjoy when Happy gets his butt kicked, lol.

Also this movie has stronger ties to shield as Black Widow and Nick Fury play more prominent roles. I love Black Widow. I kinda wish she wasn’t introduced as a sex pot assassin (yes, I realize this is her comics incarnation) but I think Scarlett Johansson is great in the role and I’m happy to have another Avenger on screen already. Plus - I love, love, love Samuel L. Jackson’s portrayal of Nick Fury. No one can show up and tell shit like it is quite like he does. And I’m glad there’s someone in the universe that can hold accountability over Tony. It makes for an interesting dynamic.

What doesn’t work for me? Mostly - the villains and the action sequences.

Micky Rourke plays Whiplash - who is really the better of the two. He’s a big, Russian (super smart) dude who has a vendetta against Tony cause his Stark Sr screwed over Micky Rourke’s dad. There is some character arc throughout (though maybe not enough for me to fully care), but I think the character is more effective when he’s playing mind games with Tony more than when he’s swinging his electronic whips around. And I realize they wanted to flesh him out a bit but he still kind of comes off as a brute with a grudge. Also, I’m not sure I get the bird thing.

But at least this dude is more interesting than the other villain -- Justin Hammer played by Sam Rockwell. God this guy is annoying. In the comics, he’s an old and old school British man of wealth - which I think would play way better in today’s climate -- being a man who essentially buys his way into power. This film version makes him whine-y and petulant (as well as unfortunately gay-coded) which means every time he’s on screen I want to punch him in the face. I may get his motives, but I could have used way less monologues from this dude.

As for the action sequences -- well, this movie work better when it’s word play and banter, character beats and smaller emotional moments. I realize this is an action movie - but the few sequences we got (except maybe when Tony and Rhodey take on each other) felt bloated, messy, and some times even silly. There wasn’t any tension or pace and it really just felt like a lot of punching and explosions. During the last half our of the movie, when stakes are supposed to be their highest, I began to wonder when it would be over.

Smaller Thoughts:

Cap’s Shield Prototype! How exciting!! I love when Marvel throws in Easter Eggs like this.

New York gets (semi-)destroyed pt. 2

It was reconned in that the kid Iron Man saves near the end is a young Peter Parker. I will take that headcanon. Spidey!!

Final Thoughts: It’s not as bad of a movie that people make it out to be - and there’s a lot of entertainment value in there. But Marvel can (and does) do quite a lot better.

Infinity Stone Watch: Not yet - Marvel’s still busy putting Aveners together.

After the Credits: Phil Coulson goes out to the desert and finds a giant hammer. That’s right - Thor is on his way!

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