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Thor: Love and Thunder – [Faith, Hope] and Love and Thunder

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(L-R): Natalie Portman as Mighty Thor and Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER. Photo by Jasin Boland. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder sees the once-mighty titular hero (Chris Hemsworth) set out with the Guardians of the Galaxy on ‘wacky adventures’, saving planets from threats to their safety. Having not dealt with the deaths of various family members and loved ones, Thor is avoiding his feelings of grief and loss. However, when he is called back home to defend Asgard against Gorr the God Butcher (portrayed wonderfully by Christian Bale), he must face his past. Teaming up with Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and Dr. Jane Foster (a returning Natalie Portman), who has now become the Mighty Thor through a heart-tugging series of events, Thor begins a new set of adventures as he attempts to re-discover his value.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER. Photo by Jasin Boland. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

As we’ve come to expect from Taika Waititi (the director/co-writer, who is also back as Korg), the film is heavy on the silly. But, when all the ‘wackiness’ is peeled back, Thor: Love and Thunder deals with some important themes of loss, fear, and doubt, especially as Gorr questions the usefulness of gods to the people who believe in and, in many instances, suffer for them.

What is the importance of faith, especially in the midst of hardship? Is there some reward that we receive after the hardship that makes enduring it worthwhile? As someone who believes in God and has struggled with prayer myself, it was honestly kind of uncomfortable to be faced with those questions within the film. But I find that kind of discomfort useful because it made me examine myself and ask, “why do I believe what I believe?” and “why bother having any hope at all?”

Christian Bale as Gorr in Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

Those are questions you can only answer for yourself, but Love and Thunder doesn’t leave us without offering some hope. Its central theme is that “it’s better to have loved and lost than not to have loved at all,” reminding us that love is worth the pain of possibly getting your heart broken. This sentiment is maybe cliché to some people and I, for one, would love it if we could skip the ‘loss’ part of life, even if it meant functioning as emotionless creatures who are just effective in running the world. Yet, neither of those is the case. Love and Thunder reveals the real complexities of being human and what it takes to thrive as one.

Chris Hemsworth as Thor in Marvel Studios’ THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER. Photo by Jasin Boland. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

It’s really impressive that writers, Waititi and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, are able to present these heavy subject matters with such humour. And, yes, the humour is wild. (Personally, it cut back the jokes just a little bit and let the emotion play out more.)

Still, Marvel is showing no signs of slowing down and seems bent on giving us at least one multiverse full of reasons to keep our hopes up.

Thor: Love and Thunder is available in theatres on Friday, July 8th, 2022.

SF Radio 8.29 Reboots and Reputations in CHIP ‘N DALE RESCUE RANGERS

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When crimes go slipping through the cracks, these two gumshoes are the ones to call. In a ‘reboot-with-a-twist’ film of the classic series, CHIP ‘N DALE RESCUE RANGERS arrives on Disney+ with strong reviews and a surprisingly biting satire. But who is this film for? This week, SF’ers Heather Johnson and Alan Sharrer return to discuss the challenges of reboots, the power of sacrifice and the very best cameos.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Google Play, Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.29-Chip-N-Dale-Rescue-Rangers

Rise: Another Disney Slam Dunk

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Perhaps some of the more unsung heroes of Disney’s cinematic canon are their inspirational sports stories.

While they’re primarily known for their animated features, nature documentaries and fantasy-adventure films, Disney has always been able to find inspirational stories in the world of sports. Without even scratching the surface of their vault, films like Remember the Titans, Miracle, Queen of Katwe and Glory Road have become classic tales of young people who have been changed by the experience of competition (and even, in some cases, have changed the world as well).

Rise fits very neatly into this tradition. 

(L-R): Yetide Badaki as Vera and Dayo Okeniyi as Charles in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Set primariliy in Greece, Rise tells the amazing true story of the Antetokounmpo brothers who came out of obscurity to dominate the NBA. When Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo emigrated from Nigeria to Greece, they dreamed of a better life for their family. However, despite their passion for hard work, they struggled to garner citizenship and lived every day under the risk of deportation. Living from paycheque to paycheque, their children found solace on public basketball courts. Although they had no experience playing the game, the Antetokounmpo boys soon discovered their natural giftings and looked for ways to use their talents to help their family.

(L-R): Ral Agada as Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Dayo Okeniyi as Charles Antetokounmpo, and Uche Agada as Giannis Antetokounmpo in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo by Patrick Redmond. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Telling the story of Antetokounmpo brothers and and their ascension to NBA dominance, Rise is an incredible story of resilience that absolutely charms. Directed by Akin Omotoso, the film knows the power of storytelling inherent within the world of sports and uses it to its advantage. Slow motion shots at the buzzer, practice in the rain and battles on the court all bring the action to life with suspense and drama. (Ironically though, the final scenes at the NBA Draft may hold the most solid dramatic tension, even if we already know the outcome.)

Even so, instead of focusing on a particular ‘big game’, Rise primarily spends its time with the Antetokounmpo family as they fight together to survive. As Charles and Vera fight tirelessly to support their family financially, so too do they want to support their children in their dreams. With barely enough money to pay the rent, their boys find their inner spark on the basketball court. Nevertheless, Charles and Vera remain nervous of their endeavours. But their initial apprehension to the boys’ love of basketball is rooted in their desire to protect them from exposure, rather than to selfishly prevent them from enjoyment.

(L-R): Yetide Badaki as Vera and Dayo Okeniyi as Charles in Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

And the fear of exposure is justified.

Due to their undocumented status, the Antetokounmpo family lived under a constant dread. Having witnessed the police tear immigrant families apart themselves, they understood the risks of being discovered. While Charles and Vera fought to make their residency legal, they simply continue to run up against an endless stream of roadblocks and red tape. Unable to find work without legal status (and unable to get legal status without work), they are only able to make ends meet by selling sunglasses to tourists and taking on odd jobs. In this way, the film highlights issues that are far greater than whether or not Giannis understands his basketball fundamentals. Instead, Rise cries out for the poor and impoverished who are attempting to start new lives in a foreign country. 

Interestingly, there’s also a deeply rooted faith that strengthens the Antetokounmpo family as well. Despite everything that they’ve gone through, Giannis‘s mother holds fast to her belief that God has a plan. (“God makes no mistakes. Give it your all and let God do his work,” Vera encourages.) To her, even the darkest of moments can provide blessings by the end and this gives them boundless hope throughout the process.

In some ways, it’s a shame that Rise has gone straight to Disney+. With its passionate heart, incredible story and solid performances, this is a film that actually deserves to be recognized onscreen as opposed to an unknown property that people scroll past while looking for Pixar material. With an eye on justice, Rise inspires with joy and enthusiasm that should please the whole family. Quite simply, there is an affectionate heart within this film which is contagious.

In other words, it is definitely a slam dunk.

A scene still from Disney’s live-action RISE, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rise is available on Disney+ on Friday, June 24th, 2022

Lightyear: Learning Humility Beyond Infinity

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Mission Log 126.01: Buzz Lightyear has crash landed on a hostile planet. And Lightyear may show more signs of intelligent life than you expect.

From Pixar, Lightyear tells the (toy) story of the iconic Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans), the hero who inspired Andy’s favourite action figure. Trapped on an uncharted planet 4.2 million light-years away from home, Buzz is determined to complete his mission and get his people safely back to Earth. Tirelessly travelling through space and time, Buzz is slowed by the arrival of the evil Zurg (James Brolin), the massive leader of a robot army determined to prevent him accomplishing his goal.

Admittedly, this writer was skeptical by the film’s release. The legacy of the Toy Story films has only continued to grow over the years as Buzz and Woody have arguably become some of Disney’s most famous characters. As a result, any attempts to refresh a franchise that has had very few misfires simply seemed like a pointless exercise in marketing. (And, frankly, there’s still an argument to be made for this.) When the early trailers highlighted alien life, massive robots in time travel adventures, the film felt oddly out of place with the innocence of Andy’s toy room. (And don’t even get me started on the news that they were recasting Tim Allen…) Thankfully though, Lightyear is a wonderful surprise that actually brings something fresh to the character while still managing to honour what came before [or, technically, after]. 

If you’re wondering how an intergalactic space adventure fits into the Toy Story world, the answer is made plain from the opening credits. Instead of an actual astronaut, Lightyear is considered to be the film that made Andy fall in love with his beloved toy in the first place. (In essence, this film within a franchise is their equivalent of Star Wars, and Andy is now the kid who saw it on the big screen and fell in love with the characters.) As such, when Buzz stumbles out of the box on his bed in the initial Toy Story film, Andy already has a history with the character, which explains his excitement about the gift. This unique and meta-approach frees the film up to tell whatever stories they want without the burden of Toy Story canon. All of a sudden, the audience understands how the film fits in to the Toy Story world and can sit back and enjoy the ride. 

And quite a ride it is. 

Fast-paced and engaging, Lightyear includes everything that you would expect from a massive space adventure. As Buzz frantically fights to save the day, his epic encounters with aliens, robots and more create a fun and (arguably) unpredictable quest for all ages. New characters delight. Action sequences work well. (And just try to resist Sox, his robo-feline companion.) Although there will be many who bemoan the swapping of Evans for Allen, the change works, especially considering that they’re technically not the same character. (And Allen would undoubtedly step back into the role if Toy Story 5 ever comes to fruition.)

And this particular iteration of the Space Ranger has some lessons to learn.

Although this Buzz may not be quite as self-deluded as his toy counterpart, he is definitely self-serving in his sacrifice. While he respects his team, he believes that it is his responsibility to complete the mission and save his friends. Regardless of protocols or recommendations, he is going to get the job done… and he doesn’t need anybody else to do it. 

However, as his adventure unravels, it becomes clearer that his desire to complete the mission makes himself feel like he matters only if he can finish the job. For Buzz, the journey is as much about self-validation as it is about sacrifice. He believes that he must prove his worth through his actions. 

In this way, Lightyear highlights the damage of toxic masculinity. For example, as the foolhardy white male, Buzz is determined to be the one to lead the mission, even though his team is full of people who are capable of coming through. From his African-American female copilot to an elderly ex-con, Lightyear acknowledges that moving forward requires everybody and buzz, as the powerful white male, would be missing out if he did not humble himself in the process. (It’s also worth noting that the film contains Pixar’s first openly LGBTQ couple as well.)

Even so, Lightyear reminds the viewer that, even after our greatest mistakes, there is still room to live forward. After his mission goes wrong, Buzz bears the weight of his errors and it intensifies his desire to finish what he started. However, despite his failures, those around him have not suffered in the way that he believed. Yes, there was hurt and pain but everyone has been able to adapt. His errors were unexpected yet they still took the opportunity to thrive. This realization offers a whisper of grace to Buzz’s soul and helps him recognize

While Lightyear doesn’t quite take us to beyond infinity, its fresh take on the already established world is anything but a misfire. Charting an unexpected new course for the franchise, the film is fun, often hilarious and has a taste for adventure.

In short, it’s definitely a mission worth taking.

Lightyear is available in theatres on Friday, June 17th, 2022

Ms. Marvel: For the Dreamers

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“The change is here. The change is her.” – Ms. Marvel

It’s no secret that, ever since Iron Man flew across screens roughly 13 years ago, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has perfected the art of selling superheroes. First, create an origin story for a loveable outsider who is struggling to find themselves. Then, after they encounter an otherworldly power, they are transformed and finds their true calling. Using the same formula, Disney has managed to dominate a box office (and streaming world) with no signs of slowing down.

Though, there is a wind of change blowing in the MCU. As we transition out of a world dominated by white male superheroes, Marvel has done an excellent job celebrating the vibrancy of voices within our own world. Whether it’s Sam Wilson’s Captain America, the rise of Wanda Maximoff or the global celebration of Eternals, this new phase of the MCU has changed the faces of their stories. Now, with the release of Ms. Marvel on Disney+, Marvel has created another solid example of how diverse casting and cultural representation opens up new worlds for storytelling. 

And the story of Kamala Khan feels like it’s going to be something truly special.

Set in New Jersey, Ms. Marvel introduces the Marvel Universe to Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a 16-year-old high school teen and fangirl of the Avengers, especially Captain Marvel. Living at home with her Islamic family, Kamala spends her nights dreaming of one day becoming like her hero. So, when she hears about the very first ‘AvengersCon’, a convention honouring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Kamala knows that she must be one of the first ones in attendance. Dressing up in cosplay of Captain Marvel, she adds a golden bangle that she discovers in a box of old junk in the house in order to secure her victory in the Con’s costume contest. However, when things go wrong, Kamala discovers that she has the power to create energy constructs and begins to wonder if becoming a hero may be more of a reality than she’d ever imagined.

Marvel excels at bringing the imagination to life but here they have created a world of such vibrant, youthful enthusiasm that one cannot help but be drawn in. In many ways, Ms. Marvel is reminiscent of Spider-Man Homecoming or the introduction of Miles Morales in Sony‘s animated Into the Spiderverse. In both cases, those films walked the line of style and substance by giving their characters colourful worlds to play in while never losing the character’s passion and soul. 

Ms. Marvel takes a similar approach by selecting a charismatic lead and immersing her in a world of neon vibrancy that bursts off the screen at all times. Whether it’s the seamless integration of animation or the bright, engaging visuals of the world, Ms. Marvel wants the screen be flooded with colour and joy. (In fact, powered by music from the ‘80s and ‘90s, there’s even a slightly retro feel to the series that adds some extra snap.)

Most importantly though, Feige & Co. have truly found someone extraordinary for their Kamala Khan. Young lead Iman Vellani has such charm that she absolutely sparkles on screen [pun intended]. Balancing innocence, humility and fire, Vellani has the soul of a dreamer and the spirit of a hero, making her perfect for the future of the MCU. 

Although the series pops with a Western style, the series does an excellent job of highlighting Kamala’s Islamic heritage. Living with her devout parents, Kamala takes her faith and culture extremely seriously. Trips to the mosque, conversations in Urdu and more help ground her world in the Islamic traditions and faith. At the same time, she also lives in a world of Instagram and pop culture.

In Ms. Marvel, it’s important to still honours the old ways, even as Kamala lives in a new world.

What interesting is that, at this point in their storytelling, the MCU has begun to pass the torch to those who have grown up with it as part of their livelihood. Characters like Iron Man and Captain America have left their mark and faded away for the next generation. Kamala is no exception. To her, the world has become a place where superheroes are admired (and, dare I say, common?) and the greatest of them all is Captain Marvel. Revered for her strength, power and fierce example of womanhood, Captain Marvel is held up in the highest esteem by the young hero-in-waiting and she yearns to be like her. Plastering her room with posters and dressing up in cosplay at the first AvengersCon, Kamala will do anything she can to honour her idol. 

Kamala is a dreamer. And the life of a hero is her ultimate fantasy.

And therein lies the true spirit of Ms. Marvel. This is a series about honouring the past but still leaning into our dreams. Whether it’s her mother or Captain Marvel herself, Kamala holds the women of her life in the highest respect. But she’s also growing up and wants to be figured out what it means to herself in the process. She recognizes the value and power of the women who have blazed the trails but she also wants to become who she was meant to be.

For Kamala, it’s time for her dreams to become reality.

The first episode of Ms. Marvel is available on Disney+ on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 with new episodes streaming every Wednesday afterwards.

Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers – Dusting Off these Two Gumshoes

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When Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers was named as Disney’s next reboot for streaming, the decision simply made sense. 

After all, Disney+ has provided the House of Mouse with an entirely new way to bring their content to the next generation with very little risk. From DuckTales to Darkwing Duck, their investment in bringing back popular franchises for the kids of the modern era have been fairly successful thus far. (I’m still waiting for the return of The Adventures of the Gummi Bears but I digress…)

But things began to take a turn for the strange when it was announced that the franchise would be passed to director Akiva Schaffer, who intended on taking a more meta-approach to the material. Usually, that’s often a bad sign. After all, every reboot (especially a beloved one like Rescue Rangers) comes with certain expectations in tone, humour and style. When you mess with the formula entirely, it can alienate the audience. (See Ferrell and Kidman’s Bewitched)

Amazingly though, Schaffer has come through.

In Disney+’s Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers, Chip and Dale have seen better days. After the cancellation of their fame animated series over 30 years ago, the characters have both moved on. With Chip (John Mulaney) now living in obscurity as an insurance salesman, Dale (Andy Samberg) spends his days attending fan conventions with the hope of garnering enough interest to resurrect their franchise. However, when one of their beloved former co-stars is kidnapped, the two estranged rangers reluctantly come together to solve a real crime in the face of overwhelming odds. 

Using his signature sarcasm, Schaffer infuses Rescue Rangers with a winking eye and sardonic edge that still feels like a love letter to the property. By blending multiple animation styles ranging from claymation to puppeteering but still grounding the project in the human world, the film feels very much like a spiritual sequel to Disney’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. (In fact, any comparisons to the classic 80s animated classic are absolutely deliberate as Schaffer includes numerous references to it.) Sharply written and executed, Rescue Rangers is absolutely eye-candy across the (story)board that features a never-ending stream of pop culture references that should make the film enjoyable on rewatch. (The billboards and advertising that adorn the film’s streets are worth the watch alone.)

And no franchise is sacred. 

Somewhat surprisingly, Rescue Rangers is more than willing to break out of the Disney canon and satirize other studio properties as well. (Again, another key ingredient for Roger Rabbit.) Whether it’s poorly rebooted animation like ‘Ugly Sonic’, or beloved franchises like My Little Pony, Looney Tunes, Pokemon or even ET: The Extra Terrestrial, there’s a surprising amount of support from other studios to let Disney lampoon their products. 

As such, Rescue Rangers feels more like a meta-take on the challenges of rebooting old properties than it does trying to feed you the same Disney product again. In essence, rather than offering a strict reboot of Rangers, the film leans into the difficulties of doing so. Characters who were once beloved by fans have now been relegated to the convention circuit, with the hopes that enough interest will bring them back into pop culture relevance. 

At the same time though, there is no doubt that this film is made with love. Schaffer does not use the film to mock the franchise but rather to somehow reinvigorate it with the understanding of an adult. Jokes referencing CGI surgery, cheese addiction and even references to a strip club and [cartoon] trafficking are made with an adult audience in mind. 

In this way, while the film’s primary story may focus on the missing characters, the true antagonist of the film is getting older. From Lumiere to Tigra the forgotten Avenger, none of these animated characters are ready to settle into the dustbin just yet. (“It’s gotten tough out there for us old timers”, Monteray Jack groans.) Emotionally tied to their faded fame, each one wants to prove that they’re still worth something. This desire to hang onto the glory days is especially true of Chip who yearns to be remembered as more than a ‘2nd banana’. From begging for attention on social media to having CGI surgery, Chip is left scratching and clawing at the elusive celebrity status that he once enjoyed. Though the rest of the world has moved on, he simply wants them to know that he still has value. In a world where no one cares to know your name, how do you know you matter? What does hope look like when your best days seem behind you?

Middle-age is tough, even for animated chipmunks.

But that leads to the film’s biggest question: who is the target audience? Unlike other kids fare that includes the adults, Rangers does the opposite by targeting adults first. Ultimately, this approach works fine, except for the fact that Rangers comes with the baggage of a being known property. For example, in the case of Roger Rabbit, Disney had a blank canvas upon which to create their adult-targeted story. Not so for Rescue Rangers, a series which is known for targeting little ones. (It’s also worth mentioning that, as recently as last year, Disney rebooted Chip ‘N Dale as an animated series that targeted kids). So, with this in mind, parents of young ones may need to exercise caution before hitting play.

Nevertheless, there’s little doubt that Chip ‘N Dale: Rescue Rangers is a reboot win. Fast and furry-ous with its humour, Schaffer manages to walk the line between parody and preposterous in ways that revive an old property without feeling stale. So, even if it does seem odd to target the parents over the kids, it’s absolutely worth dusting off these two gumshoes for old time’s sake.

Chip ‘N Dale’s Rescue Rangers streams on Disney+ on Friday, May 20th, 2022.

Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness: Emphasis on the Madness

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Have you ever had regrets in your life or made decisions that you wish you could’ve done differently? 

Now, what if you had the opportunity to go to any possible reality that you can think of? A place that would allow you to change anything that you’ve ever done or have whatever life you want. For those who struggle with guilt or shame, the idea would be very tempting.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange in Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

Following the events of Spiderman: No Way Home and WandaVision, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness takes us on a trip through the horrors and wonders of the multiverse. With the universe seemingly falling apart Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Wong (Benedict Wong), and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) take on threats they’ve never faced before. In the wildest MCU movie to date, Multiverse really opens up the Madness of the live-action cinematic universe that Marvel has spent so long developing.

Directed by Sam Raimi, the creativity of the film is spectacular. Although the first Doctor Strange began to feel like an acid trip in places, the reality jumping that happens in Multiverse is absolutely nuts. Ranging universes of animation to one of paint, Raimi makes good use of the opportunity to push the boundaries of the MCU. (For what it’s worth, Marvel’s What If series is a good primer that prepares the viewer for all the different possible realities that the MCU can give us.) 

A scene from Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios 2022. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

Without question, this is the bloodiest MCU film to date. In fact, by leaning into its horror potential, Multiversebecomes not only becomes the first to attempt this style from the MCU, but the first successful attempt in the genre. (BrightBurn doesn’t count…) With her powers finally unleashed, Wanda is perfect at being horrifying. Broken by the loss of her kids in WandaVision, Wanda has become increasingly unstable as she pushes to get what she wants. Covered in blood and performing reality-bending witchcraft, she becomes almost an unstoppable ghost. (It’s worth noting that the magic fighting has also become more creative. For example, Wanda’s fight with the Illuminati is just horrific and beautiful at the same time.)

One of the best additions to the franchise is their new character America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), a young girl from another universe who can travel through dimensions. Bringing great banter with Strange that balances out his seriousness and cool powers of her own, she’ll likely be key to setting up any major multiverse related stories in the MCU. 

(L-R): Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez, Benedict Wong as Wong, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Stephen Strange in Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

Personally, I also really am noticing and appreciating Marvel’s diversity initiative as well. Despite the controversy created by the fact that that America Chavez has 2 moms, Marvel continues to push forward towards inclusion. Handling her story with love by showing her parents and treating it as “normal” was great. It really normalizes same-sex marriage and I respect Disney for not cutting it out.

As they reach infinite possibilities for stories and universes, the overarching theme within Multiverse is the idea of regret and coming to terms with that decisions that we’ve made so that we can move on. In many ways, the journeys of both Doctor Strange and Wanda parallel each other throughout the film. Unable to accept her actions in Westview (see WandaVision), Wanda wants to find a reality where she can really have the family and life that she has always wanted. [Potential Spoiler] For her, the quest is so important that she’s willing to go out of her way to steal another version of herself in order to find the reality that she wants. [Spoilers end]

Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff in Marvel Studios’ DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. ©Marvel Studios 2022. All Rights Reserved.

At the same time, Doctor Strange’s regrets stem from a deeply personal loss that took place during the Blip. Similar to Wanda, his guilt consumes him, pushing him to become something sinister. As a result, both are living unhappily and are willing to take the lives of others in order to have the universe that they want. After meeting alternate versions of themselves, Multiverse shows that you never really know which choice was the “right choice” and living in regret because of your choices is foolish. No matter how terrible the little decisions may be, they lead you to who you’ve become now and accepting that these moments happened allows us to move forward.

Overall, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a horrifying and beautiful trip into the multiverse. For his first venture into the MCU, Raimi steps up his game and offers us something that we’ve never seen before that I definitely recommend. Wild and weird, Raimi truly lets the Madness out of this Multiverse.

Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness is available in theatres on Friday, May 6th, 2022.

Spider-Man: No Way Home – A Hero for Everyone

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When Marvel unleashed Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021, I’m sure they knew it was going to be a hit… but could anyone have expected what came next?

More than fun and fury, No Way Home not only became a financial juggernaut, it almost single-handedly saved the 2021 theatrical box office. All of a sudden, this was not your average Marvel success. It became the #6 highest grossing hit of all time. (Seriously. Let that sink in for a moment.)

Who knew Spidey was the measure to which all MCU films would be held moving forward?

Taking place immediately after the final moments of Spider-Man: Far From Home, No Way Home leans into the fallout of having the Webcrawler’s identity revealed to the world. Under constant scrutiny by those who believe he murdered Mysterio, Peter Parker seeks out the help of fellow Avenger, Dr. Strange. After Peter asks him to cast a spell that will make people forget his identity, the good Doctor reluctantly helps. However, when the spell goes wrong, the effects on space/time are devastating. As other characters from the multiverse sneak into their own world, Parker must attempt to capture his mysterious foes before its too late.

There’s really no other way to say it. Despite building hype over the past few years, Spider-Man: No Way Home somehow manages to deliver the goods. Once again directed by Jon Watts, the conclusion to the ‘Home Trilogy’ balances epic scale Marvel action sequences and intimate character-driven moments that work on a number of levels. While Marvel sometimes has a tendency to sacrifice storytelling for the sake of action sequences (and vice versa), No Way Home finds a way to incorporate them into one another in such a way that they actually impact each other. (This is especially true in the film’s third act ‘mega-battle’, which actually furthers the emotional arc of the films characters.) After three films, Watts cares enough about this franchise to tell a story that means something to his team and the results are spectacular. Seamlessly blending genres and generations together, Watts creates an epic finale but never sacrifices the soul of his characters in the process.

Of course, No Way Home is an absolute nostalgia-fest for every fan of the Spidey-franchise over the last 20 years. For years, people of debated which iteration of the cinematic Spidey-verse is superior to the others. Here though, Marvel gets to celebrate them all in one big party. This is a festival of all things Spidey that should delight three eras of superhero filmgoers at the same time. 

Even if Peter Parker has No Way Home, this film is a welcome homecoming for many old friends.

However, while nostalgia may be fun for everyone, what makes the film work is that their appearances are relevant to the story through some sharp writing. By bringing back familiar faces in new situations, No Way Home could have simply devolved into a fanservice mess yet their appearances somehow further developing their original story arcs. (Returning villains like Willem Dafoe, Jamie Foxx and Alfred Molina are allowed the chance to develop their characters further without detracting from their original stories. In fact, Marvel arguably elevates their previous material in the process.)

At the same time, the film becomes a perfect finale for this chapter of the Spider-Man story. Throughout his three Spider-films, Watts has done a (mostly) impressive job spinning interesting stories for the Wallcrawler. Whereas Homecoming told a small and intimate tale of a young boy who simply dreams of becoming an Avenger and Far From Home showed that young man trying to balance his life, No Way Home takes that journey even further. Having almost literally grown up onscreen before our eyes, Holland has exemplified the youthful enthusiasm that we expect from the character. In No Way Home, further completes his coming-of-age into a true Spider-Man as opposed to Spider-Teen. Having moved through high school, Holland’s Spider-Man is now faced with understanding what it truly takes to be a hero. In No Way Home, Parker has to make decisions about his life and the safety of his friends that he would have been unable to make earlier on in the franchise. Without giving away any spoilers, this iteration of Spider-Man needed to learn what it means to sacrifice himself out of love for others. 

Why? Because that’s what heroes do.

However, No Way Home is also about second chances. Although most superhero films of the last two decades have featured heroes battling unsalvageable villains, No Way Home actually makes a point of arguing that everyone deserves a chance at redemption. Rather than writing off these villains as ‘bad guys’, Holland’s Spidey is challenged to view them as more. Here, iconic villains like Doc Ock, Green Goblin and Electro show their vulnerability and humanity more effectively than they have in other films. 

What if the ‘bad guys’ are actually the ‘lost guys’?

There’s a sensibility to this film that, maybe, anyone can change. Despite the ‘fate’ that they are dealt, No Way Home allows the opportunity for a crack in the villainous armor. Despite the negative tone of its title, No Way Home wants to believe that there is a new way for anyone who chooses it. Maybe, regardless of their past actions, there’s an opportunity for these villains to find hope. For Parker, maybe these villains are more than the sum of their darkness.

Admittedly, the special features are a little scant for a film that is–again–the #6 box office draw of all time. However, there are some fun things of note. Alternative Reality Easter Eggs looks to point the viewer in the direction of things they’ve missed and Spider-Men Unite and A Meeting of the Spiders help give the audience more of the Spidey trio that excited the world. Other than that, there’s not a tonne worth noting… but the film is so ridiculously fun, it’s almost not worth noting any disappointment in this area.

While the nostalgia is fun and action is well-executed, it’s the conversations about hope and heroism in Spider-Man: No Way Home that truly leave a mark. Wrapping up this chapter of the MCU’s Spidey-Verse, Watts completes the emotional arc that he began about a crew of high school kids learning how to grow up. But he also manages to tread new ground for characters that we already felt we knew. Leaning into hope for the ‘bad guys’, the film gives Spidey the chance to try to help everyone, not just his friends in his neighbourhood. 

Because that’s what heroes do.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is available on 4K, Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022.

Better Nate than Ever: Find Your Light

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It’s hard to find words to describe the ray of sunshine that is Better Nate than Ever. 

Better Nate than Ever tells the story of Nate Foster (Reuby Wood), an unpopular but spunky 13-year-old theatre student in Pittsburgh who dreams of becoming a Broadway star. When an open audition for the role of his dreams takes place in New York, Nate and his best friend Libby (Aria Brookes) sneak out so that Nate can fight for what he believes is his future. However, after a chance encounter with Nate’s estranged Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) upends their plans, Nate and Libby must work together in order to make their dreams a reality.

Telling the story of one young man’s dreams of becoming a Broadway star, Better Nate than Ever is an utter delight from start to finish. Directed by Tim Federle (who also wrote the novel upon which the film is based), Nate is sharp, fantastical and fun children’s fare. There is such an enthusiasm and likeability about this film that you cannot help will be drawn in to its world. Musical sequences take on the appearance of a Broadway stage but never distract from the story that’s going on around them. This is not a film where songs burst forth from the cast as they walk down the street but rather are embedded within the life of struggling actors trying to make it big.

After the misfire that was Dear Evan Hanson last year (and arguably Netflix’s Prom), Better Nate than Ever is a return to form for onscreen musicals. These examples prove how important (and divisive) casting a film of this nature can be. However, Nate manages to hit the right notes in this area, especially in young lead Reuby Wood, who sparkles as the indomitable Nate himself. Wood brings an energy and life to the role that makes him undeniably likeable. His chemistry with onscreen bestie Libby (Aria Brookes) works well as the two enjoy some impressive banter, considering their age. 

Although it is also fair to say Disney unabashedly uses Nate as an opportunity to show off their IP as use of musicals like Frozen and West Side Story all fall neatly under the Disney umbrella. In fact, there’s even a certain irony about the fact that they are making a musical about Lilo and Stitch within the film, as its one of the few properties that Disney has not turned into a live-action remake or Broadway play. (However, does it make me a bad person that I kind of want to see the Stitch musical now?)

At its heart, this is a film that invites us to follow our dreams. Whether you are young like Nate or older and more established like his aunt, Nate wants to encourage you to take those risks to ‘find your light’. Although Nate’s story takes off very quickly, the film also makes it clear that it is difficult to achieve your goals. There is a struggle involved but the film does not want you to give up in the midst of that struggle. (In this way, it’s also worth noting that this film also carries with it a message of love and support of the LGBTQ community as well.) 

Much more than this though, this is also a film but what it means to find your life. Whereas Nate knows instantly what he wants to accomplish, Libby is unsure of her future. She has no interest in being a star yet she loves to support those that can be. However, she still does not know who she is or what she wants to be. As her journey unfolds, Libby begins to understand her role in Nate’s inevitable stardom. In this way, the film reminds the viewer to push forward as there is a place for us all. 

While the title Better Nate than Ever may seem a bit outlandish or self-serving, it is also hard to disagree that it’s also accurate. Fueled with a deep affection for Broadway and musical theater, Nate absolutely pops on screen. Most importantly though, it absolutely makes you want to go and find your light as well.

Better Nate than Ever is available on Disney+ on Friday, April 1st, 2022.

SF Radio 8.20 Sacred Sexuality in PAM & TOMMY

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In the ‘greatest love story ever sold, Hulu’s Pam & Tommy tells the story of the theft and release of the celebrity couple’s sex tape back in the late 1990s. Beginning with the energy of a raunchy comedy, the series gradually shifts its perspective into something much more poignant and (dare I say it?) powerful in its conversations about gender and sexuality. This week, Amanda Jane Smith and Miriam Ibrahim return to have an honest discussion surrounding the nature of ‘gaze’ and the relationship between consent, sexuality and pornography.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

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