Movies: Captain America - Civil War (NON-SPOILER)

This is the third Captain America movie but also as part of the trilogy for Winter Soldier and The Avengers: Age Of Ultron, I would advise that you watch those two before watching Civil War to fully appreciate the emotion but you can just watch this movie on it's own accord. The Avengers have ruffled many feathers while protecting the world from greater dangers. The collateral damage from New York, Washington DC and Sokovia have forced the government to take action and want The Avengers to be held accountable for their actions, wanting the super team to work under the control of the government.

This splits the team right down the middle as they both have valid reasons why they're defending the decision taken. The beauty of the Russo brothers directing which continues from The Winter Solider, is this movie will make you choose a side before the movie starts and way past after the movie has ended, you will be wrestling mentally back and fourth with which side you actually agree with. This plays on your emotions way more than any of the previous Marvel movies. But with all that being said, this movie which should be all depressing and gloomy will have you laughing alot without.

The hand to hand combat from 70s style spy movie The Winter Solider was very grounded and realistic, but this movie with a bit of help from the directors of John Wick has amped the combat scenes to another level. This is an action thriller movie that further brings it home, that The Russo brothers have made Captain America into one of the coolest and slickest heroes in the comic book genre. It's no secret that this movie has a total of 12 superheroes but don't be fooled this is a Captain America movie. 

Falcon really comes into his own in this movie now having been in three previous movies, he's confident in himself being an Avenger and is Cap's ride or die partner in crime. Now with this movie re-introduces us to a fan favourite in Peter Parker/Spider-Man now played by the UK's very own Tom Holland. Andrew Garfield was a great Spider-Man, Holland does a sick job as a awkward, star struck, geeky teenager. The scenes with Spider-Man are priceless considering the deal between Marvel & Sony wasn't completed while this movie was being filmed, however his forthcoming movie titled Homecoming will be alot of fun.

Ladies and gentlemen this movie introduces us to your new favourite superhero. The new kid, my bad the new King on the block in the shape of T'Challa aka Black Panther. He's restless, cold blooded but in a good way, no jokes just all about his business. His reasons for being in this movie and his motivations fit so well. One of the best lines comes from a conversation between the King of Wakanda and Captain America. This guy is so badass that you'll want his solo movie tomorrow and not 2018. 

That airport scene is 17 minutes long and is easily the best action sequences you'll see in ANY superhero movie. I think I would add to that, it is one of the best action scenes I've ever seen. This is a superhero royal rumble with all the players involved getting their time to shine, and at no point do you feel tired or exhausted from this eventful moment. The bad guy isn't really needed in this movie which says alot about how great it is, he does play the part of a plot device. What he brings to the table will have a long lasting effect on The Avengers moving forward and sets up next Avengers chapters nicely. 

This is a civil war and delivers what it says on the tin, this movie pits two of Marvel's A+ characters against each other due to their beliefs on what they believe is morally right. You're emotionally drawn to the outcome of this movie as we've grown attached to these characters from the previous movies which has been growing since 2008. This is easily the movie of the summer and one of the best of 2016. Ranking this in all of Marvel movies this has to be in the top three, this movie is more grown up than those before it due to the stakes but still has the charm and appeal for the kids. 

When the dust has settled and the justified hype has simmered down, the Captain America series will be hailed as one of the best trilogies to hit the big screen. Not bad for a character who was seen as just a soldier. 

P.S. I just signed up to both subscriptions for Odeon and Cineworld unlimited cards just because of this movie.

Captain America: Civil War is out NOW.

Movies: Deadpool Review

For us singletons the release of Deadpool in time for Valentine's Day was a life saver ha! We've met Wade Wilson before in 2009 to be exact in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (but was meant to have his own movie in 2004) and that's all and the last time you will see me mention that movie in this review. Anyway I missed the first 2-3 mins of the movie, due to staff at the cinema treating the preparation of my milkshake like that of a Christmas dinner. 

Deadpool starts as it means to go on, holding no punches and making you fully aware this ain't your average superhero movie. Thanks to the 4th wall breaking he makes you aware of this by taking every chance he can at poking fun at the other superhero movies which are just hilarious. Let's be clear this is a quick-witted superhero/vengeance movie, but the relationship set-up between Wade Wilson and Vanessa adds soul and emotion to the movie which you effortlessly invest in and plays a huge part in telling this story. 

Another smart thing they done with this movie, along side the fact this super fun movie was made with a budget of 50million is making sure you know DP is part of the X-Men universe. Despite being R-rated which is the only way this movie could've been made to fully appreciate it, the re-introduction of Colossus and introduction of Negasonic Teenage Warhead (who are shown in all the trailers, I promise I'm not the spoiler guy), shows that the merc with the super foul mouth can exist in a cross-over PG-13 X-Men movie. The fact he makes a joke about the movie's budget and the X-Men is legendary stuff.This movie makes many current pop culture references which is hilariously displayed in the trailer with NTW taking on Angel Dust. 

The villain is the type of shitter you need in more down to earth movie like Deadpool. This movie isn't a let's save the world one, but more a let's save my girl and get revenge. Ajax is Wade's number one target due to the way he changed his life forever, with his handling of Wade's cancer treatment. These two have some crazy action scenes together and some funny back and fourths, which is made even funnier as it's an American accent against an British one. The crazy thing is you just dislike Ajax from the first moment he appears on screen which makes you want to smack the taste out of him yourself. 

Supporting cast is really strong and they all add to the plot of this movie. In the most recent trailers we see DP in a cab having a conversation with the driver called Dopinder. Trust me when I say this guy is a diamond in the movie. The end product of this movie really shows why Ryan Reynolds was fighting for so many years to get this movie made. The action sequences, jokes, love story and more make this a must see movie, and probably the best movie of 2016 (I know I know the year has just started). It's fair to say with Hugh Jackman hanging up the Wolverine jacket, Fox has now managed to create someone who can carry the touch for the X-Men universe moving forward. 

Oh there is a post credit scene which I would advise you to hang around for, as any fan of Marvel comics will be extra happy about. I can't say anymore than that without going into spoiler territory, and I need to finish write this up so I can start booking another trip to go watch this movie again. Thankfully this movie lived up to and surpassed all the hype that was provided by the smart, funny and social media aware marketing. This movie is easily an 9 out of 10 for me, I would give it a 10/10 but there is a scene between Angel Dust and Colossus that took that 1 away which I'm still upset about (fellas you know the scene I'm talking about), my emotions were hurt HA!

P.S This movie may have the best Stan Lee cameo out of any Marvel movie.

Trailer: Deadpool

Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

That's what the official studio says but this is all you need to know, Deadpool is one of if not the coolest superhero ever created. Superman would have a hard time understanding how this guy represents the good fight, plus he would take the absolute piss out of Clark Kent. He talks that shit and kicks ass while making a joke about it, go watch the merc with the mouth in February.

Movie Review: Straight To The Bank

There's only a hand full of rappers who warrant a movie based on their story, the likes of B.I.G. (let's forget the one attempted), Tupac, Run DMC, Wu-Tang Clan  to name a few. Other names you'd throw in that conversation, are Eazy E, Ice Cube, Dr.Dre, MC Ren and DJ Yella gave us the world's most dangerous group in the form of N.W.A.  Now if you're a fan of the raps that are coming out today, the lyrical content from '86 era may scare you into a Sunday church visit. Now this is a blockbuster movie make no mistake of it, just without the crazy action sequences but still delivers on all fronts. The movie smartly introduces us to each member of the group in scenarios that set them up for the rest of the movie. 

See this group were a product of their environment which is clearly evident in the movie. The process behind the iconic F The Police brings with it some scene stealing moments in the movie. Ice Cube's son getting the role of playing his dad could easily be a distraction but who better to play their father than someone who's witnessed it all? Judging by the performance he portrays of his dad, you can be excused for thinking Ice Cube is playing himself. Eazy-E is something like rap's unicorn, a mythical human being that many talk about but only few know of. This isn't a spoiler as it's well documented that Eazy died of HIV, but that and being a part of N.W.A is all I knew about E. After watching this movie I found myself understanding why people connected to him and loved his character. 

The main thing director F. Gary Grey had to do with this movie is make sure it's not labelled another hip hop movie catered to hip hop audience. Yes we've had a Biggie movie (which I hope one day will be re-visited and done properly) but this movie is bigger than just the hip hop going audience. The movie balances humour, betrayal, emotion, and of course the magic behind this group becoming legendary. The backdrop of this movie being in the 80s, and era when police brutality was just an everyday practice, really leaves a lump in your throat due to current affairs. This movie will be in many top ten movies of 2015 lists, as it's way bigger than the hip hop culture which birthed it. My only worry is with the ridiculous but well earned success of this movie, that Hollywood doesn't attempt to bring out a hip hop based movie every other month. Truth be told I don't need to see Young Thug movie!!!

Video: Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Bootleg

Props to my boy Justin aka Brooklyn, he brought my attention to this crazy ass piece of footage. Somethings you never imagine and somethings you imagine and think what if?  2016 will see a Mighty Morphin Power Rangers reboot, but then someone who clearly loves the franchise put some pepper in the tea and created this. Hollywood would NEVER greenlight this movie, but thank god for Youtube. 

I hope the powers that be who own the rights to the franchise, use abit of common sense and refrain from taking any legal action against Adi Shankar and Joseph Kahn. Because let's be honest, the amount of heat and internet buzz this has created for the franchise is priceless. 

Movies: Ant-Man Teaser Trailer

The funny thing about this movie is it was meant to be the first release from Marvel Studios. Before RDJ's first Iron Man movie, so ten movies down the line and two phases gone, ten years in the making we finally get Ant-Man the movie. If you don't know the backstory of Hank Pam, check out this check little explanation (Who Is Ant-Man). Here is the teaser trailer for what many critics have labelled Marvel Studio's riskiest movie yet. Ladies and gentlemen here is Ant-Man.

Movies: Marvel vs DC showdown Trailer

Ok this conversation goes on somewhere in the world everyday, and comes to no conclusion. Like in the middle of a football match at the barber shop, someone could say "Hey Tupac is better than Biggie" and off we go for hours of debate. 

The thing with Marvel vs DC is they more or less have identical characters with some slight adjustments made to them. For every Bruce Wayne you have a Tony Stark, for every Hawkeye you have a Arrow. Props to Alex Luthor who made this trailer, and balanced out that fact marvel have more on screen movies than DC with some clever fill ins.

So even though this 5billion dollar earning movie may never see the day, this at least gives you a visual taste. But who would win?

Movies: Will Ferrell x Kevin Hart - Get Hard Trailer

Kevin Hart has been using Instagram to it's full potential over the last couple of months, giving us behind the scene footage of his movie with Will Ferrell. Some priceless Will moments via 15second clips, and now we have the trailer from the project starring two funny guys of Hollywood. Watch this and get hard #Pause.

Movie: Nicki Minaj presents The Pinkprint Movie

This movie is broken down into three parts, narrated by three tracks from the album of the same name. If you've had a chance to listen to the album, the three tracks selected are arguably her most emotional from the album.

Part I of The Pinkprint movie is called The Crying Game, part II is based on "I Lied" and rounding up the film is part III called "Grand Piano. Big up Boris being lucky AGAIN! This is a very stripped emotional Nicki in this 16mins of footage, and you don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to workout she still hurting from her breakup. Listen Nicki Nicki, I got hugs for you this Christmas. 

Movies: Aaliyah - The Princess Of RnB

Some people(include yours truly)hold Aaliyah very dear to their hearts and I have my own opinion as to why. Aaliyah was an all round entertainer, like the new edition of Janet Jackson who had the craziest double act of Missy and Timbaland in her corner. She was making music when it mattered most, when it took you a whole year or more to tire of an album single etc....... Those days you spent money on music because the quality and the standard was so high, that you would look foolish without "that song" or "album" in your possession. 

So the rumblings of a potential Aaliyah biopic/movie to it being confirm, this project has had people sitting on the fence. Famed radio and TV host Wendy Williams production company got the wheels in motion and began the casting of iconic people who would need to be involved in this biopic (yes the whole R.Kelly saga would need to be included in this biopic). The original casting for Aaliyah was Zendaya Coleman, when the news broke out of her being casted the internet didn't play nice.So she dropped out and this put the production on hold. Then they announced they've found a new actress to play baby girl and we also found out who would be playing iconic figures in Missy and Timbaland.

As expected internet went crazy again, to the point some people wanted Zendaya to be re-casted for the role. Members of the Aaliyah family have been against this been produced from the word go. Alot of back and fourth between her family and the production company about this went on for months. Word is the family had no input on this being produced, which already is a can of worms.The US network Lifetime  broadcasted the biopic movie last night and the hangover from internet has gone out of control like a certain someone doing a magazine shoot. Understand this generation of social media keyboard bangers may not have been around for Aaliyah's dominate era, and then you have the rest of us who did. So you decide.....So without anymore delay, here is Aaliyah - The Princess Of R&B (click on the "x" and then hit play)

Movies: Freckles Films Recommendations

Apologies I missed last week's recommendations, was little hectic for my own good. But I did suggest week before a critically acclaimed movie, which has surprised me at how many of my friends have gone to Gone Girl. It's no surprise, well it is because it's been out for two weeks now that I've taken this long to feature it. But it's all about the latest addition to worldwide known Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The four brothers are back on the big screen to save New York from The Shredder and his associates. It would be an understatement to say this movie has had it's fair share of criticism due to the look of the turtles. They're mutants....... not GQ models. I've grown up on Turtles and seen every version created, I'm excited to see this latest version. Michael Bay produced not directed this movie, and it does feature Megan Fox as April O'Neil (another talking point that had the internet on two different sides of the fence). I'm sure you'll identify with one of the four brothers, and it's a movie for the family. Just be ready if you do go with kids, that you might have to make a trip to Toys R Us afterwards!

Movies: Avengers - Age Of Ultron Trailer

Ok so last night was the #MoboAwards2014, but I haven't watched it yet as some small match between Liverpool and Real Madrid was going on. But I did record the award show and I'm aware Melanie Brown was looking forever spice ;-) I'll provide my two cents on the show after personally watching it. To turn the gas meter up from 0-100000000000 real quick before it's taken down, supposed leak of the new Avengers: Age Of Ultron trailer.** Marvel have dropped the super HQ trailer, with the tweet "dammit, Hydra"**

    

In this trailer we finally get a full look of Ultron voiced by James Spader. He sounds very disturbing and not the voice you want to hear if your going to the fridge at night, while home alone. Due to Ultron this movie has a darker feel to it, in comparison to first Avengers. This movie is clearly taking place at multiple locations around the world (You're safe for now New York). Bruce Banner is strapped like a fugitive while being escorted by the team (maybe due to that anger problem and overdosing on Spinach and Kale), plus a look at the two new additions of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. 

But let's get to it, two MAJOR observations about this trailer. The Hulkbuster makes it's official debut in this trailer. So Hulk now has a new plaything in this movie, the other thing is no sign of Vision....... Yet!!

This wasn't meant to air until next week in the US during an episode of Agents Of Shield, so somebody at Marvel is pissed (Hydra done did it). So before it's removed (don't know if it's legit) but sweet baby Jesus this looks epic!!!!

Movies: Freckles Film Recommendations

Ok so it's Wednesday and here in the UK that means one thing, we ask for Orange Wednesday codes for the two for one on ticket prices. So I'm going to start recommending movies I've either seen or look forward to watching to you lovely lot.

We all know of Dracula, but he's always some turnip looking feeble with a thrust for blood. This take on Dracula goes back to his origin story which is real deep and graphic (hopefully some of that comes across in this movie adaptation, big up my twin Cadien for the education). So how did he become Dracula? What drove him to become this historic figure? All is revealed in this movie, plus this movie officially launches the "Monster Universe" which will see the likes of classics such as Frankenstein x The Mummy x Werewolf and more all meet up like a Monsters Avengers. So check out Dracula Untold featuring Luke Evans (The Hobbit, Fast & Furious 6). 

Movies: Is The Avengers this generations Star Wars?

So it all took place really in 2008 with the release of Iron Man, who knew it was building up to something so damn crazy and just pure 100% certified blockbuster material? 

Joss Whedon did a marvellous job (sorry) putting this movie together. Thanks to Marvel’s clever cross-reference strategy across all their superhero movies, this become one of the most recent and true to the essence Hollywood blockbusters of recent times.

But were Disney and Joss Whedon aware of the impact The Avengers would have on pop culture? Every character some how has a common man element to them, that we all can relate to. 

Whether it's the slick and funny tongue of one Tony Stark. The person who take just take everyones attention at anytime regardless of the scenario.Or the confident no holds barred attitude, with the act now for the good of everyone like a demi-God called Thor. Someone in your office right now represents an Avenger, even if they don't even know of The Avengers or would care to admit it.

Many kids weren't blessed with the experience of seeing Star Wars for the first time on a big screen in all it's glory. And unfortunately for them when they did, it was Jar Jar Binks in the prequels. But with The Avengers, this generation got to have "that" experience. And many did on multiple occasions which helped make The Avengers the third highest grossing movie in history. 

With the Age Of Ultron out in just under 10months,the sequel will continue on the experience that many have enjoyed. The sequel will easily surpass it's predecessor's 1.5 billion worldwide takings. Kids and Adults alike will continue to agree and disagree which Avenger is this best(......Thor). Halloween will still be sold out of Avengers costumes and many grown men will own a "special" pair of boxers with their hero's face on it.Who knew four superheroes projected from the comic book pages to the movie screen would impact pop culture like that? Maybe Mickey Mouse knew something we didn't. Over to you JJ and the Star Wars episode VII team.

Movies: Marvel Phase 1 & 2 Montage

I have to make it to San Diego's Comi-Con one day, that's a bucket list event. Like Brazil, Trinidad and Barbados carnival (I'm a feter :-p). Reason being all the cool stuff is unleashed at that event, last year it was officially announced that Batman v Superman will be with us in 2016, plus Avengers: Age Of Ultron was also announced. 

I appreciate both DC and Marvel universes, but the proof is in the pudding (as a Thor fan) Marvel are kicking DC's ass all over the cinema screens. Now the funny thing is, DC had a head start on Marvel with the first Superman movie through to the Tim Burton Batman (but we'll address that another day).

Back to Marvel with the release of the GOTG, they provide a little montage of Marvel's phase 1 & 2. So sit back and enjoy, there's even a full view of "that guy" who is desperate for the love of death.....

Movie: Cam'ron - First Of The Month

Still got a bitter taste over the fact many of us we're denied seeing Cam'Ron perform two months ago. I even went onto Twitter (like a damn idiot) and vented how mad I was at how the situation was handled when the announcement was made. Fast forward and Cam'Ron is back in front the camera (Pause) with new shot film First Of The Month, to accompany the mixtape series of the same name. So check out episode one and newly released episode two.

First Of The Month - Episode 1 (link to mixtape)

First Of The Month - Episode 2 (link to mixtape)

Movies: X-Men: Days Of Future Past

2014 will see the following from Marvel (I say Marvel as Marvel Studios doesn't have the rights to all the characters......):

Captain America: The Winter Solider

Guardians Of The Galaxy

The Amazing Spiderman 2

And possibly judging by this trailer, the best X-Men movie yet?

Movie: Guardians Of The Galaxy Trailer

It's here and oh boy, this trailer is something else. I didn't know much about these heroes of Marvel until the movie was announced and I saw the cast via UStream links of com-con.

Oh shit this movie looks like fun. We've all had problems with that one machine....

Movie: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Trailer

Last but very not least new look at the up coming Spider-Man movie. Listen man, after this outing Peter Parker needs to take Gwen Stacey to Five Guys have a nice munch and take the rest of the week off. 

Movie: Captain America: The Winter Soldier Trailer

At the moment Marvel can do no wrong, everybody else is just trying to get closer to them. Another trailer unleashed during Super Bowl.