"The Avengers"...Now that's a Superhero Team!!!

Two words for ya…Epic Proportions!! That is how I would describe the new summer Marvel hit The Avengers. I have been waiting on this movie since the first Iron Man came out in 2008. You just knew it was going to happen… just because!!

The Avengers was a flick that I was excited and nervous about all at the same time. Excited for the obvious reason (comic book nerd) and nervous because not every comic book movie has been successful, especially when there are multiple big name character involved. This is one of THE best adventure movies I've seen in a good while!! I mean the movie is pure AWESOME. To have such comic book giants (in some cases literally) as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and The Hulk in one film and it work speaks volumes. 

Director Joss Whedon, who is most known for the television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, studies the foundation that was built in the prior films and transports to the big screen “the greatest team of superheroes in film history”…The Avengers: Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) as "amassed" by Nick Fury. Whedon's whose scripts typically include clever banter, spellbinding action sequences and an “air of mystery” and this is no different with The Avengers. It is quite clear that Whedon has an utter love for comic books, and it is evidently displayed with this movie.

Perfect Chemistry…That’s what each one of these characters brought to the film. One could not ask for a better cast.  Not only did they blend together, but they were essentially working together sweet harmony!! Everyone was able to get his or her fair share without it feeling like it was all about one person. Now I must admit I was not initially on the wagon with Mark Ruffalo playing Bruce Banner/The Hulk, but he convinced me with his performance! The Hulk showed up and showed out in a big way. And to know surprise, Downey plays Stark almost effortlessly, delivering lines with ease allowing his charisma, charm and smugness to gleam through; there is not a doubt in my mind Robert Downey Jr. is Tony Stark! Chris Evans' congeals himself in the role of Captain America, and further assures us that he is America’s hero. He truly holds his own standing alongside Iron Man and Thor. Then you have Chris Hemsworth's Asgardian god Thor who has some extraordinary battle scenes and indirectly provides one of the film's most hilarious moments. Clearly after being seriously underutilized in Iron Man 2, we get to see full development of Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow, this helps in developing the character and provides an opportunity to prove she is much more than just a pretty face; she's physically dangerous along with being psychologically deadly. Even Hawkeye brings an element to the team as a force to be reckoned with at all times. Don’t let the bow an arrow fool you now. And finally, Nick Fury is more than just a surprise appearance. Fury is finally able to maximize his potential and stretch his legs some, Jackson actually fits the role quite easily.

And I can’t forget Agent Caulson (Clark Gregg) [love this guy…dry wit, humor and all] along with Cobie Smulders who makes her Marvel films debut as Agent Maria Hill, and she is definitely a welcomed addition. Also what’s a comic book hero without a villain…Thor's adopted-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) brings an excellent dynamic as he is able to hold his own in the midst of some huge heavyweights. Each character may have their egos and big guns, but when it came to saving the world they some how seem to create a diamond mine out of a junkyard. That was what I feared most but they did not disappoint. They held it together with “style and grace”.

If I had any issues with the film it was just the fact that Hawkeye being the character that he is got a little too much “face-time” for my liking, but at least the performance was good though. And my other minor gripe was with the development of Bruce Banner and The Hulk.  Now this may seem like I am nit-picking but it would have been nice to see how Banner was able to control over The Hulk (that seems like a vital piece to the puzzle. And let me make note it was not all serious, but plenty of humor as well. This is what made it a well-balanced film.

I will admit the movie is over 2 hours but its worth every minute. This movie on so many levels brings out the best in everything from the characters, to the plot, the cinematography, the action, it just all works. In a weird and unique kind of way it draws on all of your emotions in one single sitting. To be honest films like Star Trek and Transformers could learn a lesson from a film like The Avengers. How you ask? Pull from every angle and go deeper, you can’t just scratch the surface and it be ok!

***As usual with most if not all Marvel films, make sure to stay around for the post credit sequence, which will provides a surprising reveal.

This was the perfect movie to start out the summer!! Quite impressive!! Now I am hyped and on a super high!! Bring on the next one!!

Rating: 9 out 10

'Iron Man 2'....Looks like another good one to me!

The summer season has begun and what a great way to start with the highly anticipated sequel Iron Man 2!

After revealing his identity to the world, Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) inventor, billionaire and super hero is under pressure from the government to turn over his iron suit to the military. 

I must say I was quite impressed with the storyline and flow of this movie. It could have easily been overwhelming kind of like its counterpart in Spider-Man 3. With Iron Man 2, it gets straight to the point and along the way we get to be introduced to some new characters as well as some re-introductions to some folks we have seen and been mentioned before. I kind of see this movie like a puzzle game with all the clues scattered throughout the movie.

Put it like this all that was good in the first movie carried over to the sequel in perfect sequel fashion. One can clearly see that the acting and chemistry among the cast is probably the best highlight of the whole film. Robert Downey Jr who reprises the role of Tony Stark, is a little less playboy but turned up the egotistical and cockiness levels, in good form though. He has gotten to the point where he has a somewhat "change of heart"(figuratively and literally) than from in the first movie. However, still the same wisecracking, unconventional yet business savvy guy is still there.

In addition, it's always so refreshing to see when all the characters mesh so naturally  including the villains, especially that of the character of Justin Hammer, played by Sam Rockwell. Hammer is a perfect example of a one dimensional villainous caricature, who is still able to be a but manages to be a jerk of scumbag competitor. With the introduction of this character the audience is given first-rate laughs, but at the same time presenting a credible threat to Stark. Not only, is the Rockwell's character a standout, but that of Whiplash/Ivan Vanko (played by Mickey Rourke). He has this silent, subtle, killer vibe which works wonders. There is this constant mystery about him that lures you in to want to know more about him. Overall, each character played there role without overstepping anyone else.

Oh and let's not forget the humor that is spread throughout the movie, the humor is like lil' nuggets spread all over an open field. With that being said, writer Justin Theroux does a good job of showcasing several interesting themes, most prominent is the theme of "legacy", of what people leave behind when they are gone; their impressions on their successors and how the effects of their past actions would echo down the years long after one has passed.

I will admit I am a sucker for a good comic book movie, and this one did not disappoint. It's hard to top the success of the suprise 2008 film, however I think they were on even playing field. There is definitely no iron deficiency here, its all good folks! And I will say this make sure to stay ALL the way to the passed the credit, or you just might miss something.

Grade: B+

War Machine Revealed in 'Iron Man 2' Poster

In the end of the Summer 2008 blockbuster film Iron Man, James "Rhodey" Rhodes (played by Terrence Howard) looked at the early silver version of Tony Stark's high-tech armor and said to himself, "Next time, baby."

According to Yahoo "Movie Talk" that "next time" is coming on May 7, when Iron Man 2 hits theaters. And Rhodey will get his wish, donning the heavily-armored metallic suit that turns him into War Machine, a character that has been a part of the "Iron Man" comic books for 30 years. But getting superpowers isn't the only change for the character. In a much-publicized contract dispute, Terrence Howard was dropped from the sequel and replaced by actor Don Cheadle. While the exact details of why Marvel Studios made the switch, Entertainment Weekly reported that Howard's original contract made him the highest-paid actor in the first film, and when the producers tried to scale back his paycheck for the sequel, Howard's representatives balked. Cheadle told IGN that he was approached for the role after Howard had already left the project, and he only had a few hours to decide if he wanted to step in.

The decisions one must make in a matter of seconds.

As of now, no official footage of War Machine has been released, but the first image of the suit debuted Monday here on Yahoo! Movies. In this teaser poster, the War Machine suit stands behind the updated Mark IV Iron Man armor.

The question is then raised, "are Stark and Rhodes standing together, back-to-back, in solidarity against a common enemy, or are they in opposition to each other". In the comic books, conflict between the two escalated into a feud, but later they were able to work together as friends. To find out if the two are comrades or combatants, we'll have to wait for Iron Man 2 to arrive in theaters on May 7.

The OSCAR noms are in!! "Benjamin Button leads the pack!!"

Today is a grand day in the movie/film industry. The Oscar nominations are in and many folks are jumping for joy. Here are just a few of some of the highlighted Oscar nominations.

1. Best Picture: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button , Frost/Nixon, Milk, The Reader , Slumdog Millionaire .

2. Actor: Richard Jenkins , The Visitor; Frank Langella , Frost/Nixon; Sean Penn, Milk; Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Mickey Rourke , The Wrestler .

3. Actress: Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married; Angelina Jolie, Changeling; Melissa Leo , Frozen River ; Meryl Streep, Doubt; Kate Winslet , The Reader.

4. Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin , Milk; Robert Downey Jr ., Tropic Thunder ; Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt; Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight; Michael Shannon , Revolutionary Road.

5. Supporting Actress: Amy Adams, Doubt; Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona; Viola Davis , Doubt; Taraji P. Henson , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Marisa Tomei , The Wrestler.

6. Director: David Fincher , The Curious Case of Benjamin Button; Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon; Gus Van Sant , Milk; Stephen Daldry, The Reader; Danny Boyle , Slumdog Millionaire.

7. Animated Feature Film : Bolt; Kung Fu Panda ; WALL-E.

8. Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Hellboy II: The Golden Army.

9. Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, Iron Man.

10. Cinematography : Changeling, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dark Knight, The Reader, Slumdog Millionaire.

As many expected Heath Ledger recieved a nomination for his role as the "Joker" in The Dark Knight (on the one year anniversary of his death). Another pleasant nomination was that of Tariji P. Henson getting a supporting actress nomination in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. However, even with all the greatness many may be surprised as to the "so-so" results for The Dark Knight. This film in particular was one of the years best films, but only picked up eight noms. The Dark Knight was the largest blockbuster in several years only picking up noms in technical categories outside the Heath Ledger nomination.

But all in all, this years Academy Awards is not too surprising even with its snubs overall it should be a good viewing!

Iron Man 2 Villians Revealed!!

According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR) and Variety, Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) and Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon) are in talks to star as the villains in Marvel Studios' Iron Man 2. THR says that Rourke would play a tattooed Russian heavy named Ivan who becomes a man with deadly, technologically enhanced coils. Variety adds that Rourke would play the Crimson Dynamo. "He's considered to be an evil version of Iron Man because he battles the superhero in a nuclear-powered suit of armor," says the trade.

Rockwell would play Justin Hammer, a multibillionaire businessman and a rival of industrialist Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man, being played by a returning Robert Downey Jr. Rourke and Rockwell would be joining a cast that also includes the returning Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle, who is replacing Terrence Howard.


Paramount will release the movie May 7, 2010.

The Last Blog for 08

Well we have embarked upon another year and boy was it a great on, especially in the film genre. I am excited that I was able to get this blog off the ground and showcase it to the masses!! It has been a long journey coming!! With G-Breezy's Director's Cut I have ventured beyond just giving you a film review, but updates in film and Hollywood, and those infamous Rewind Wednesdays. And guess what it doesn't stop there is soooo much more to come!! Trust me it will be worth it!!

Well before I roll out of 08 into 09 let me give you my Top 20 films for 2008!!

20. Hancock

19. Street Kings

18. Sex and the City: The Movie (This proves that tv shows can be movies too!)

17. Mongol

16. The Bank Job (One of those films follks been sleeping on, ya betta wake up!!)

15. Quantum of Solace

14. Wall-E

13. Vicky Cristina Barcelona

12. Burn After Reading

11. Tropic Thunder

10. Kung Fu Panda (Great for the kids AND adults)

9. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

8. The Secret Life of Bees (It steals your heart and makes you look within your own soul)

7. Gran Torino

6. Doubt

5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

4. Milk
3. Incredible Hulk (Shout out to Marcus!!) (Thank God they did a second follow-up it truly redeemed itself)
2. Iron Man

1. The Dark Knight (This movie sets your soul on fire!! Heath Ledger plays the hell out of this role that its scary!!)


I am truly excited about what the new year has to bring for us in the film category!! Cause I am truly anxious, especially for the New Transformers installment as well as the new Star Trek!! Either way we are a in store for some true treats!! Get READY!!


Happy New Year!! May this be a prosperous one for you!!