spider-man – We Are Movie Geeks

Kevin Feige Makes Surprise Appearance At The Hollywood Bowl and Michael Giacchino Wows Fans With 4 Minutes Of New Score for THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS During Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience

All photographs of Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience at the Hollywood Bowl – Farah Sosa on behalf of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association.

WAMG was among a crowd of thousands Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl for the Global premiere of Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience.

Over the Labor Day weekend, new and old fans assembled to relive iconic moments from the MCU, all accompanied by a live orchestra, stunning projection mapping on the Bowl shell, fireworks, surprises… And there were surprises!

Disney Concerts, Marvel Studios and the Los Angeles Philharmonic captivated the audience with the Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert experience. Conducted by LA Phil Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, this momentous concert was an epic on-screen cinematic journey, covering 23 films from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in a single unforgettable experience, exclusively at the Hollywood Bowl.

Opening with the recognizable Marvel Studios fanfare, the evening began when president of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige walked out on stage to introduce the event to a cheering crowd. As he spoke about the night ahead for fans, Feige concluded his intro by telling the audience, “as with all Marvel movies, be sure to wait for the very end of the concert for a surprise.”

He also presented conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who was wearing his own gauntlet, with his own Vibranium Baton.

The audience revisited the earliest days of Iron Man, Captain America and Thor as they discovered their place in the MCU—each accompanied by their unforgettable heroic music. Captain America, The First Avenger, had a wonderful musical number that replicated the film’s “Buy Bonds” scenes complete with dancers, the vibrant choir and fireworks. The song “Star Spangled Man” from beloved songwriters Alan Menken and David Zippel was a spirited crowd-pleaser.

The LA Philharmonic recaptured the excitement as Earth’s mightiest heroes joined forces for the first time and opened the door to the next wave of Avengers: Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel and more. A poignant emotional moment was hearing the themes from Sony/Marvel’s Spider-Man films, complete with a terrific montage of scenes.

Also filling the air with his acoustic flair was Massamba Diop, the Senegalese drummer who played the talking drum in Black Panther. Diop is a world-renowned master of the talking drum, also known as the “tama”. His complex and crisp compositions can be heard throughout the film’s score.

The Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t miss this party, either, dropping in to deliver a taste of their iconic mixtape backed by the LA Phil. In addition, the custom-curated live-to-film experience featured iconic songs from AC/DC (“Back in Black”), Blue Swede and Björn Skifs (“Hooked on a Feeling”) and James Gunn and Tyler Bates (“Guardians Inferno”).

The spectacle culminated in revisiting the ultimate trials of the Infinity Saga. The theatrics of the presentation was true Hollywood – they turned the awe-inspiring shell into part of the multimedia experience. It really became Thanos’ gauntlet filled with all six infinity stones.

Across its nearly two-hour run time, Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience showcased the scores of acclaimed Marvel composers, including Alan Silvestri, Christophe Beck, Danny Elfman, Henry Jackman, Lorne Balfe, Ludwig Göransson, Mark Mothersbaugh, Patrick Doyle, Pinar Toprak, Ramin Djawadi, Tyler Bates and Michael Giacchino.

Upon the conclusion of the night, Feige made good on his word. Composer Michael Giacchino came on stage wearing a light blue jacket with the Fantastic Four logo on his back. The crowd went wild when he announced he was surprising the night’s attendees with four minutes of his score for the upcoming movie. It was a moment of pandemonium for the fans.

From what was heard of the suite, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has a 1960’s moog vibe! Directed by Matt Shakman and starring Marvel’s first family, Pedro Pascal (Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby (Sue Storm/The Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn (Johnny Storm/The Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/Thing) the upcoming feature film sees Galactus and Silver Surfer target Earth for destruction. Marvel Studios’ “Fantastic Four: First Steps” hits theaters on July 25, 2025.

Once the final beat of the music was played, The Hollywood Bowl sent fans off with an amazing fireworks display and reminded all of us why Marvel’s Infinity Saga was a story filled with heart and one of epic proportions.

Contributed by Michelle McCue, Gary Salem, Marc Butterfield, Melissa Thompson

If you’re ever in Hollywood, check out the Bowl’s Movie Nights. https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/concerts-and-events/movie-nights

See Six SPIDER-MAN Movies And VENOM On Disney Plus Starting April 21

Today, Disney+ announced that six Spider-Man™ films will be launching on the streaming service in the U.S. this spring, giving fans access to more from the Marvel collection, all in one place. The first Spider-Man™ films “Spider-Man™,” “Spider-Man™ 2,” “Spider-Man™ 3,” and “The Amazing Spider-Man™” will be made available to subscribers on April 21, 2023. “Spider-Man™: Homecoming” and “Venom” will join the service on May 12, 2023.

Spider-Man™ (2002) – Available April 21, 2023

Average teenager Peter Parker is transformed into an extraordinary superhero after he is accidentally bitten by a radioactive spider. When his beloved uncle is savagely murdered during a robbery, young Peter vows to use his powers to avenge his death. Deeming himself “Spider-Man,” he sets about ridding the streets of crime, bringing him into conflict with malevolent super-villain “Green Goblin.”

Spider-Man™ 2 (2004) – Available April 21, 2023

In “Spider-Man 2™,” Tobey Maguire returns as the mild-mannered Peter Parker, who is juggling the delicate balance of his dual life as college student and a superhuman crime fighter. Peter’s life becomes even more complicated when he confronts a new nemesis, the brilliant Otto Octavius who has been reincarnated as the maniacal and multi-tentacled “Doc Ock.” When Doc Ock kidnaps MJ, Spider-Man must swing back into action as the adventure reaches new heights of unprecedented excitement.

Spider-Man™ 3 (2007) – Available April 21, 2023

Peter Parker finally has the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson, and New York City is in the throes of Spider-mania! But when a strange alien symbiote turns Spider-Man’s suit black, his darkest demons come to light changing Spider-Man inside as well as out. Spider-Man is in for the fight of his life against a lethal mix of villains – the deadly Sandman, Venom, and the New Goblin – as well as the enemy within himself.

The Amazing Spider-Man™ (2012) – Available April 21, 2023

A teenage Peter Parker grapples with both high school and amazing super-human crises as his alter-ego Spider-Man.

Spider-Man™: Homecoming (2017) – Available May 12, 2023

A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero. Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May, under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark. Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine, but when the Vulture emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.

Venom (2018) – Available May 12, 2023

Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) is a broken man after he loses everything including his job and fiancée. Just when his life is at its lowest, he becomes host to an alien symbiote which results in extraordinary superpowers – transforming him into Venom. Will these powers be enough for this new lethal protector to defeat great evil forces, especially against the far stronger and more weaponized symbiote rival, Riot?

Additional titles from Sony Pictures’ film and television library are expected to premiere on Disney+ in the U.S. later this year.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE – Review

With just 16 days left in 2018, many filmgoers (let’s not call them “haters”, but rather “grumblers”) might think they’ve seen the last of the Marvel movie heroes for this year, especially since Warner Brothers and the “Distinguished Competition” (a phrase coined by the much-missed Stan Lee, which replaced the deriding “Brand Echh”) are clearing the multiplex waters for AQUAMAN. Mind you, this has been a stellar year for Marvel Studios which had three films in the box office top ten, with BLACK PANTHER and the latest Avengers at the top two spots, but now it looks that there’ll be one more hit by the drop of the Times Square glitter-ball. But technically it’s not from that studio. Sony has had a lock on the Marvel mascot, Spider-Man, for all of the new century, but after the disastrous reboot flicks in 2012 and 2014, they wisely joined forces with Marvel Studios for last year’s smash SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (which allowed him to mix it up alongside their franchise stars, with Iron Man as a mentor). Now Sony said they’d continue making their own spin-offs with secondary characters and villains. They had a good-sized success with a solo VENOM flick a couple of months ago (#10 in this year’s B.O. stats). Now comes another one, swinging out from Sony…Animation! Yes, the folks behind last year’s Razzie fave, THE EMOJI MOVIE. Will the webbed wonder escape that fate? The answer lies with SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE.

The story doesn’t start with a guy named Pete, which most would assume. No, this story is set in a world a lot like ours (the police cruisers are marked “P.D.N.Y.”, so that’s a hint), where we encounter a very smart (street and book) pre-teen guy named Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore). He’s a bit anxious on this day because his policeman pop Jefferson (Brian Tyree Henry) and nurse mom Rio (Luna Lauren Velez) are sending him off to a prestigious private school (all on a scholarship) where he’ll stay in a dorm room during the week. And maybe the recent tremors are making Miles jumpy. Either way, he has a tough time on his first day. So tough in fact, that he sneaks out of his dorm that evening to visit his favorite uncle Aaron (Mahershala Ali). He decides to take his nephew to a secluded spot just off the subway line, where they can indulge their passion for “street art”. But they’re joined by a most unwelcome guest: a genetically engineered spider. Which, you guessed it, bites young Miles. When he wakes up the next morning he notices that he’s undergone some “changes”, and not the “voice deepening” kind. That night Miles revisits the “secret spot” to locate that spider. Unfortunately, a wall collapses and he finds himself a very scared witness to a pitched battle between the city’s “friendly neighborhood” Spider-Man and some super-powered goons employed by the Kingpin AKA Wilson Fisk (Liev Schreiber). Before the fighting ends tragically, Spider gives Miles a tiny flash drive (later called a “goober”) to shut down Fisk’s big machine (which is causing the tremors and brief blackouts). Luckily Miles escapes before one of those goons, the high tech killer known as The Prowler, captures him. The next day, Miles is stunned to encounter his hero once more. But he’s different, older, a bit flabby, and going by Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson). He explains to Miles that Fisk has built a giant super magnet that opens a portal that brings back objects (including people) from alternate Earths. And unfortunately, Pete’s losing his molecular stability and will cease to exist unless he can get back to the device. The old pro super-hero teams up with the novice as they eventually encounter more “travelers’, other beings with similar powers. There’s Gwen Stacey AKA Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld), hard-boiled 30’s P.I., Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage), teenager Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), who works with a massive spider-controlled robot, and anthropomorphic hero, Peter Porker, the Spider-Ham (John Mulaney). Can Miles refine his abilities, send his new friends home, and stop the Kingpin’s destructive weapon before it erases the heroes of the spider-verse?

A most impressive roster of actors make these animated characters…well, even more animated. Moore makes Morales a most endearing young hero, full of enthusiasm while constantly fretting over his “cool factor’ amongst his new classmates. Of course, all his concerns feel multiplied after receiving a dose of super-spider powers. Moore conveys his fears and heartbreak while balancing it with Miles’s compassion. He cares about everyone: his family, his old and new friends, and especially the scruffy wiseguy who becomes his reluctant mentor. As the Spidey we’ve followed through several decades (and eight live-action features) Johnson is the ultimate everyman hero, greyed, paunchy, but always ready with a plan in a pinch. But Johnson also gives us a guy that’s been kicked around by life, who wonders if all this dimension skipping is worth it. Fortunately, he still has that snarky sense of humor, and Johnson delivers the taunts with skill and precision. As for the “spider squad”, Steinfeld is confident but a bit closed off, cautious about getting to close anyone, especially Miles. Cage voices a great homage to film noir tough guys, tossing out hilarious forgotten 30’s slang, while Mulaney makes the Spider-Ham a lovable loopy cartoon cut-up. Prior to the bug bite, Miles has two strong male role models. Henry is great as his gruff, loving but stern policeman papa, while Ali is ultra smooth and slick as the super cool uncle. As for those bad guys, Schrieber makes Fisk a most formidable foe. But it’s a different take than we saw from Michael Clark Duncan in the 2003 DAREDEVIL film or Vincent D’Onofrio in the current Netflix DD series. He’s not the oversized, but cultured mastermind. Despite his suit and tie, this Kingpin is a powerhouse palooka, still fresh from the mean streets, who Schrieber makes even more fearsome with his guttural growls (“Kill dat’ guy!!”). Kudos also to comic actresses Kathryn Hahn for a fresh take on a well-established Spidey villain, and Lily Tomlin who offers a tough, smart take on Aunt May.

It’s no wonder that it took three tremendously talented artists to direct this work that could definitely be referred to as a game changer, much like the first TOY STORY, in future annals of animation history. Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman unite to breathe fresh new life into the super-hero genre, so much a part of the new century, while showing us that animation need not be a “cinema sitter”, that it can work for action stories as well as it has for funny animal fables. And all while affectionately acknowledging their source material, making the finished film seem like a graphic novel (okay, “comic book”) come to vibrant, noisy life. We hear Miles’s thoughts via voice-overs, while also seeing the boxed captions pop up all about him. Sound effects appear (not as garish as the classic 60’s Batman TV show though), as the force of impact ( a punch or a kick) splinter and shatter the screen in electric hues. The colors overlap and mesh much like the old four-color printing of the books. The tones almost glow and pop, reflecting hip-hop inspired ‘street art’. Then there are the eclectic character designs, mixing the molded-shading of CGI figures coupled with dark, delineating outlines, sharpening the edges much as a comic inker would enhance and accentuate a jawline or the curve of a nose. Particularly impressive is the look of the Kingpin who appears to be two tons of dark granite on two legs, his angry bald head is almost floating in a sea of black. Of course, that heft doesn’t get in the way of his deadly speed with those massive meaty fists crushing anything in their path. Yes, the flick is dazzling, but it’s also really clever and funny thanks to the script from Phil Lord meshing the creations of many wonderful comics artists. The dialogue deftly deflates countless action movie cliches without careening into derisive “camp” cavorting. Somehow it’s equal parts sweet and silly while making us care about this swooping, web-slinging “spandex squad”. Things sometimes get a bit “grim and gritty”, but Lord doesn’t neglect the fun aspect of bouncing and twirling high above the streets. Actually fun is the main word to describe the wondrous entertainment machine that is SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. It’s the best holiday gift you could give the kid inside you.

5 Out of 5

Stan Lee 1922-2018

He never directed a feature film. He never had a screenplay produced. Yes, he dabbled in front of the camera, but he usually played himself or would appear for a few seconds in a “cameo” role. Frequently he would be given an executive producer credit, which we would see many times over the last couple of decades. And yet, Stan Lee was a major force behind four of the twenty biggest domestic box office hit motion pictures of all time. This warranted the following report from today’s Hollywood Reporter, which began:

Stan Lee, the legendary writer, editor, and publisher of Marvel Comics whose fantabulous but flawed creations made him a real-life superhero to comic book lovers everywhere has died. He was 95.

Lee, who began in the business in 1939 and created or co-created Black Panther, Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Mighty Thor, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Daredevil and Ant-Man, among countless other characters, died early Monday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, a family representative told The Hollywood Reporter.

So, why are we both mourning and celebrating the life and legacy of Stanley Martin Lieber (his birth name) on this site today? That’s because he’s added so much fun to the movie experience with his creations and cameos. His 95 plus years was an incredible adventure, almost as amazing as anything he imagined (and helped publish).

Born on December 22 in 1922, Stan was in the right place, and had the right relatives, at the beginning of the golden age of comic books. Thanks in part to his uncle and cousin, he landed an assistant position at Martin Goodman’s Timely (Marvel much later) Comics in 1939. Soon he fulfilled his ambition to be a writer, penning the one-page prose story, “Captain America Foils the Traitor’s Revenge” in Captain America Comics #3 in 1941. Stan became an interim editor until he entered the Army in 1943, eventually earning the classification as “playwright” for his work on training films and instruction manuals. Postwar he returned to Timely as editor and oversaw the books’ transition to Westerns, funny animals, teen humor, combat, and, changing the company name to Atlas Comics, science fiction featuring all manner of giant monsters like “Gloom”.

Proving that “everything old is new again”, the superheroes returned in the late 50’s (though Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman never left) when rival National Periodicals scored a hit with the revamped Flash and the Justice League. Stan’s boss Goodman told him to come up with a “super team”. Lee had become frustrated with his job and thought about pursuing a new life as a “real” writer. Luckily his wife Joan suggested that he try writing a superhero book that he would find interesting. Thanks to her prodding, and the stunning art by co-creator Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four was a 1961 smash. As Atlas became Marvel, the new heroes arrived at a furious pace: Dr. Strange, the Incredible Hulk, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Mighty Avengers, Daredevil, and the company’s solo superstar and mascot, the Amazing Spider-Man. Stan also decided to give the artists full credits on the opening splash page, even bestowing alliterative “nicknames” like “dashing” Don Heck and “sturdy” Steve Ditko. He soon had his own editorial column, “Stan’s Soapbox” in all the books, adding to the informal, friendly vibe of Marvel Comics. College students picked up on this and the irreverent attitudes of the book where all the heroes had real-life problems or hang-ups (Spidey had trouble paying his rent, Iron Man had a bad ticker, etc.). Stan himself was in demand as a speaker at campuses all around the country, turning him into a promoting “pied piper” for the comics industry.

Stan and wife Joan in the early days of their marriage

But Stan yearned for his heroes to make the jump to other media. There were network Saturday morning cartoons and the syndicated limited animated (being very generous here) package of “The Marvel Superheroes”. He eventually moved from Marvel’s NYC HQ to LA in order to get the properties into live-action TV shows and feature films. CBS had a hit show with “The Incredible Hulk” starring Bill Bixby, but Spidey, Dr. Strange, and Captain America tanked. However, Stan became more of a household name as the narrator of the Saturday morning cartoon, “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends”. Finally, Marvel was in the movies with 1986’s HOWARD THE DUCK, but that was a legendary flop. The next decade was littered with false starts and unreleased movies. In 1998, BLADE struck box office gold, followed two years later by the X-MEN, and topped in 2002 by SPIDER-MAN. For many of those films, Stan would pop up on screen for a quick wink at the camera, as with THE FANTASTIC FOUR, HULK, and DAREDEVIL.

In 2016, finally together on screen in X-MEN: APOCALYPSE

Then something happened that Stan probably never dreamed of. Marvel started producing big-budget films based on their own heroes and properties. Not only was Stan promoting the movies on TV and via interviews, but he would also have a cameo in each film. Originally Stan said he’d just show up in films based on characters he created, but over the last ten years his cameos have become part of the Marvel Studios format and design, something that fans look forward to as much as the opening “comic pages flip” of the company logo and the post and mid-credits bonus scenes (with a long list of other writers and artists Stan has collaborated with). Perhaps some of the filmmakers considered him a “good luck charm”. Here’s a montage of his “walk-ons” so far:

So far? But he’s gone to the Comicon in the sky, you say. Well, last year or so, James Gunn shot his scenes for the next few films that would be inserted later. Though IMDB won’t confirm, I’ll bet we’ll see his mischievous grin in CAPTAIN MARVEL, the Infinity Wars finale, and maybe SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME over the next year. Plus there are the two X-Men flicks. Well, I can tell you that sharp-eyed viewers will spot a silent cameo in RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET in just 9 days. Oh, and “the man” did get some major honors. In 2008 he received the National Medal of the Arts from President George W Bush, followed in 2011 by his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Wow, how lucky can one planet be? We were treated to nearly a century of Stan Lee. And his gifts will continue in inspire and entertain forever. That is some kind of legacy. What more can I add, except…

Excelsior! Nuff’ said!!

VENOM (2018) – Review

Even though Summer is a recent memory, it’s Marvel time again at the multiplex. Or is it? Yes, that familiar red logo is prominent in all the marketing for this flick. Well, as they say, ya’ gotta’ look at the “fine print”. This is not from Marvel Studios, the film division started ten years ago. Rather it is “in association with” as it states at this flick’s opening frames. That’s because prior to 2008, before going “all in” on features, two of the biggest Marvel Comics properties were licensed out to some major movie powerhouses. The X-Men were snapped up by Fox, which has been releasing “mutant movies” since 2000 (two more are due next year). And after a massive legal brawl, Spider-Man swung over to Sony. That initial Sam Raimi 2002 origin was a box office behemoth. But when Raimi finished his trilogy, a reboot in 2012 and its 2014 sequel fizzled. Wisely Sony joined forces with Marvel Studios, making Spidey part of the Marvel “movie-verse” and launching a solo franchise with 2017 hit SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING. But Sony insisted they’d have their own “Marvel universe” aside from the “web-head” by focusing on Spidey’s impressive roster of villains (really, aside from Batman and maybe The Flash, he’s got the best “rogue’s gallery” in comics). Of course, Warner’s tried that with the disastrous 2004 CATWOMAN (and they’re trying again with the “now in production” THE JOKER). Will Sony have better luck with a comics fan favorite that goes back 30 years? There’s a lot riding on the slithering, toothy man-monster known as VENOM.

The story begins with the final moments of a sleek new space shuttle crashing to Earth (and no, you’ve not walked into the auditorium showing THE PREDATOR). We’re actually in a wooded area in East Malaysia, not the US. As the authorities arrive. we learn that this wasn’t a government project, but rather part of a space mission launched by the “Life Foundation”, a drug and tech mega company headed by Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed). Seems they were bringing back several canisters containing these weird, wiggly alien creatures. And wouldn’t you know it, one of the canisters is missing. Oh oh. As Drake goes on TV to praise the astronaut/scientists that perished, we meet (back in San Francisco), popular maverick cable news journalist/reporter Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy). He’s living the good life, sharing a plush two flat with his lawyer girlfriend Anne (Michelle Williams). Hey, they even have crazy pillow fights before she’s got to rush off to the firm (awww, so cute). But Eddie’s got a boss too, and he insists on an interview with Drake (Eddie distrusts the guy). When he stumbles on to some insider info, Eddie uses it to turn the TV “puff piece” into an “ambush” on Drake. The mogul throws his considerable weight around and Eddie is fired (leading to a nasty break-up with Anne). But back to those aliens, called Symbiotes, who need to “merge” with living beings in order to live on Earth. Unfortunately, the hosts (lab rats and rabbits) don’t survive the merge. Nonetheless, Drake pressures his scientists, headed by Dr. Skirth (Jenny Slate), to begin trials on humans (the homeless recruited with promises of big cash). When the bodies begin to pile up, Skirth contacts Eddie and sneaks him past security to the sprawling Life labs. When Eddie spots a familiar street person writhing in a cell, he breaks her out. This prompts her alien to merge with Eddie. Lucky for him, they’re compatible. Soon Drake’s brutal security forces are on the hunt for Brock. But Eddie’s freaking out about the weird voices in his head. Then there’s the whole “morphing into a multi-fanged, nearly unstoppable, hulking cannibal” thing that has him on edge. And what of that missing alien across the ocean? It couldn’t make its way to the States, could it?

A truly talented cast is chained to a heavy, clunky script that drags them straight down, never giving them a chance to soar. Hardy has dazzled with his talents countless times, but average Joe (lotsa’ ‘dems and ‘dose, y’noze) turned crusading cable news star Brock is an out-of-date cliche that his skills can never really wrangle. Plus, he has to make the countless one-sided conversations with his merged-alien work, but it’s as if he’s Elwood Dowd contending with an obnoxious homicidal “Harvey” (where’s the “holy hand grenade” when you really need it). And thanks to that sloppy script, his Brock has zero chemistry with Williams’s Anne. She seems more like a sorority sister throwing a “hissy fit” at her listless beau after their big split (it doesn’t help that she’s attired in preppy plaid skirts, with a 70’s folk singer wig making her look like an extra in THE PAPER CHASE). So, an action adventure is only as good as it’s villain? Despite Ahmed’s talents, Drake is a sneering Lex Luthor-wannabe (though not the over the top loon that Jesse Eisenberg is as the actual LL in the DC “movie-verse”). His threats against his minions seem hollow, as though he was chewing out the servers at his “pop-up” eatery. The film’s biggest crime would be its treatment of the dazzlingly witty Slate as the doomed “whistleblower”. At least she’s not burdened with an excess of dopey dialogue (unlike the main trio).

Director Ruben Fleischer made one of the most delightful horror-comedies of the last ten years, ZOMBIELAND, but there’s little of that film’s wit and style here (It’s closer to the lunk-headed brutality of his GANGSTER SQUAD). The comedy here is ham-fisted while the action sequences are edited so haphazardly that it’s almost impossible to make out who’s where while mired in CGI ooze. A motorcycle/car chase through the streets of “Frisco (now that’s original) is so tedious I was wondering where the SF police were hiding (was this the night of “The Purge”). As for the title character, well, he’s a “mo-cap” mess with shiny porcelain eyes who bounces about as though he leaped right out of I, ROBOT and I AM LEGEND, or any number of video games. Hardcore fans of the comics will be angered that most of V’s more gruesome…appetites..were curtailed in order to grab the PG-13 rating (really, DEADPOOL and LOGAN were comics-based R-rated hits, so why wimp out). And as with all Marvel flicks we get bonus scenes during the end credits. The first tauts a possible sequel (yeah right) involving a great beloved actor sporting a dime-store tomato-red clown wig. But hang tight, because we’re treated (truly) to 3 or 4 minutes of the upcoming animated feature, SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, which does hold out some hope for Sony’s plans. However, VENOM, like its namesake while likely not be fatal, but will definitely leave you queasy and lethargic. Maybe that cartoon feature on December 14 will be the perfect antidote to this toxic tripe.

1 Out of 5

Toy Fair 2017: Mezco

Toy Fair is an annual trade show where hundreds of toy companies get together to showcase their latest innovations for buyers and press. The following is a photo recap from the Mezco booth. To see the rest of our coverage, click HERE.

About 2 ½ years ago Mezco unveiled the One:12 Collective at Comic Con and the line has been rapidly growing ever since. Drawing from comics, film, and pop culture, these 6” scale figures are about the same size as the ones you will find from Hasbro at your local Toys R Us. However, these figures feature real fabric clothing, multiple heads/accessories, extreme articulation, and incredible detail. Basically they take the best qualities from high-end brands such as Hot Toys but shrink them down to half the size for a third of the price. Some of their licenses on display included DC Comics, Marvel, GHOSTBUSTERS, Popeye, EVIL DEAD, and STAR TREK.

In addition to quickly cornering the 6” scale figure market for adult collectors, Mezco also happens to be one of the leading companies for horror movie merch. They were responsible for the HELLRAISER Lament Configuration Rubiks cube that went viral last fall. Some of the highlights of their latest horror offerings include 15” Chucky & Tiffany figures, a scaled replica of ANNABELLE, an amazing Sam from TRICK R TREAT, and two adorable DAWN OF THE DEAD dolls.

You can find pics of their horror items and One:12 Collective figures below…

Toy Fair 2017: Diamond Select Toys

Toy Fair is an annual trade show where hundreds of toy companies get together to showcase their latest innovations for buyers and press. The following is a photo recap from the Diamond Select booth. To see the rest of our coverage, click HERE.

I walked around the Diamond Select Toys area for about a minute before I was informed that it was a closed booth and I needed an appointment for a walkthrough. While their schedule was packed, they were gracious enough to squeeze me in for a quick photo tour. Next year I will plan ahead to schedule a video interview because there was certainly a lot to on display, such as the Spider above from SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING.

Being a Marvel collector, their DOCTOR STRANGE statue will definitely have a home on my shelves whenever it is officially released this Fall. The Captain America and Iron Man statues are both equally amazing but I do get the impression their bases may look a little weird when separated. Speaking of connected bases, I really wish the Gallery Edition statues of the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY shared this feature. The Rocket / Gamora and Drax / Baby Groot statues could possibly work together but Star Lord breaks up the pack. Regardless, all three are absolutely incredible pieces and at under $50 each, they are an absolute steal. In fact, all the Gallery Edition statues are pretty amazing; I just wish they were in a slightly larger scale to match the rest of my collection.

DST seems to be going all in on A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS with dozens of items on display. The Collector Editions of Jack & Sally in coffin packaging look pretty fantastic, as do the other figure displays such as Halloweentown Jack.

I am not sure how much I can say about the figures that I was instructed not to photograph but let’s just say the PULP FICTION line is just getting started and will soon be joined by some other Tarantino films. As for everything else I am allowed to share, check out the pics below…

SPIDER-MAN To Be Released In IMAX July 7, 2017

SPIDER-MAN will be released in theaters and IMAX on its new worldwide date on July 7, 2017.

The announcement was made today by Josh Greenstein, president of Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures, Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, and Greg Foster, Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp. and CEO of IMAX Entertainment. As the movie, which Sony Pictures Entertainment is teaming with Marvel Studios to produce, enters wide release, it will also be digitally re-mastered into the immersive IMAX 3D format.

The highly anticipated next installment in the $4 billion franchise, which will star Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, will be directed by Jon Watts and produced by Feige and Amy Pascal.

Commenting on the announcement, Greenstein said, “There’s so much about Spider-Man – including the web-slinging action – that lends itself perfectly to the IMAX screen. We are confident that audiences everywhere around the world will want to see it in IMAX.”

Feige said: “Time and time again IMAX delivers super-hero sized movie going experiences to fans. With the anticipation for Spider-Man climbing, we are excited that IMAX has committed early to this extended release plan- it will be a great way for audiences around the world to experience such a big event film.”

Foster said, “IMAX’s long-standing relationship with Marvel and Sony first began with Spider-Man in 2002, establishing the ultimate way for fans to be transported into the world of their favorite characters like Peter Parker. By re-teaming with our friends at Sony and Marvel on the newest Spider-Man reboot, we are excited to deliver audiences what they’re asking for: a must-see cinematic adventure – in IMAX.”

Sony Pictures And Marvel Announce Tom Holland Is New SPIDER-MAN

The search for the new Spider-man is over.

Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures announced Tuesday that THE IMPOSSIBLE star Tom Holland would be taking over the role of Peter Parker and the web-slinging superhero.

Jon Watts, who directed the indie thriller COP CAR, has been set to direct the still-untitled film.

The new Spider-Man will first appear in a Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on July 28, 2017, in a film that will be co-produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago.

Feige commented, “As with James Gunn, Joss Whedon, and the Russo brothers, we love finding new and exciting voices to bring these characters to life. We spent a lot of time with Jon and find his take and work inspiring.”

Sony Pictures promises a new creative direction for this iteration of SPIDER-MAN. Since 2002, there have been five films in the $4 billion series, with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield previously in the title role.

Holland, a 19-year-old English actor, has also appeared in “Locke” and the TV series “Wolf Hall.” He can be seen this December in Ron Howard’s IN THE HEART OF THE SEA.

Animated SPIDER-MAN Feature Hitting Theaters July 20, 2018

On July 20, 2018, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, the directors of The Lego Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and 21 and 22 Jump Street, are taking Spider-Man back to his graphic roots with the first-of-its-kind animated Spider-Man feature, it was announced on Tuesday at CinemaCon by Tom Rothman, chairman of the Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group.

The film will exist independently of the projects in the live-action Spider-Man universe, all of which are continuing.

Lord & Miller are masterminding the project, writing the treatment and producing the film.

As previously announced, Spider-Man will next appear in a live-action Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on July 28, 2017, a live-action film being produced by Kevin Feige at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago.

The animated film from Lord & Miller, dated July 20, 2018, has Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Pascal also serving as producers.

Spider-Man, embraced all over the world, is the most successful franchise in the history of Sony Pictures, with the five films having taken in more than $4 billion worldwide.

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