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Dr. Strange

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

April 12, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: DVD, Featured, Film, Reviews, VOD Tagged With: Alfred Molina, Benedict Cumberbatch, Disney, Dr. Strange, Jamie Foxx, JK Simmons, Marvel, MCU, Peter Parker, spider-man, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Verse, tom holland, Willem Dafoe, Zendaya

Yes, One Last Top Ten List

February 26, 2017 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Yes, tonight is Oscar night

Yes, it’s the end of February.

Still, I wanted to wait until I’d seen enough of last year’s films to truly give a proper ‘Top Ten’ list… and that takes time.  While there were many films that could have been on here, I felt that these were my picks as the ten most engaging film experiences I had in 2016.  Do you agree?  What would be on yours?

10) Doctor Strange – I admit it.  Over the last two years, I’ve grown tired of Marvel’s overall repetitiveness.  While they often create interesting characters, they often lack in bringing anything particularly new.  Doctor Strange was the exception to the rule.  By introducing magic into the MCU, director Scott Derrickson also introduced a heart of spirituality that has often been lacking from the franchise.  It would take a lot for me to enter a Marvel film into my Top 10 but I couldn’t deny this pleasant surprise from an appearance.

9) Sing Street – This little rock n’ roll film film from the director of Once is pure joy.  The film moves along at a solid pace and the characters fit well with the world in which they exist.  Despite their youth, they struggle with the effects of poverty and tensions within 1980s Ireland but they find hope as the come together in their music.  Also, it’s a ton of fun.  And ‘Drive It Like You Stole It’ will stick in your head all day.

8) Kubo and the Two Strings – While this likely won’t win Best Animated Feature tonight, it really should.  This surprise is all about the power of our stories and how they drive us.  The animation is simply beautiful–given to look like paper themselves, re-emphasizing the story motif–and the film is simply amazing.  See it.

7) Birth of a Nation – Yes, it has it’s issue.  Yes, it’s controversial… but there’s a lot of good in this Braveheart-style film (which was, incidentally, ‘mentored’ by an uncredited Gibson.  Much of the backlash towards the film was related to writer/director Nate Parker but the film itself is focused and has much to say.  The story of Nat Turner is one that Parker wants you to experience and feel, and personally, I felt he accomplished this.  In addition, the film has lots to talk about who owns the Scripture, which I found very interesting.

6) Silence – This film breaks my heart–not because of the torture scenes of Christians but actually due to the lack of support it received from the Evangelical community.  Seen as one of the biggest bombs of Scorcese’s career, it really is only because people didn’t show up.  The quality of the film is superb and provides a riveting challenge to faith while also demonstrating the value of it.  Frankly, the church missed out on an amazing opportunity.  This film was brilliant.

5) Jackie – To me, this was undoubtedly one of the best scripts of the year.  Following Jackie Onassis on the week after JFK’s assassination, this character study was a fascinating exploration of the relationship between fame and politics.  Portman’s performance is, in my mind, the best lead actress of the year (though she likely won’t win the Oscar).  She plays Jackie O with ferocity and fragility and it’s truly something to see.

4) Hail, Caesar! – Clooney arguing the Communist dialectic.  Channing Tatum tap dancing on a table.  “Would that it t’were so simple?”  This Coen brother’s comedy is hilarious in its absurdity but also an interesting look at Hollywood’s connection with faith-based culture.  I laughed.  A lot.  And it earned them.  Definitely one of my favourites of the year.

3) Arrival – I love thoughtful sci-fi… and Denis Villeneuve… but this film earns the position based on it’s own merits as well.  While not truly a ‘twist’ ending, the film’s finale does bring everything together in an engaging and thought-provoking matter.  Plus, I found the exploration of language and suffering is moving.  I’d say more but the less you know before you see, the better.

2) La La Land – Yes, it’s good.  I’ll admit it.  I simply don’t get the emerging backlash against the film.  It’s fun, the music is wonderful and the performances engaging.  Chazelle proves yet again that his direction is something to be noticed and the set design is eye popping.  More importantly though, the story does have something to say by talking about the tension between nostalgia and moving forward.  Does it deserve 14 nominations?  I struggle with that… but it’s a worth Best Picture film should it take gold tonight.

1) Moonlight – No other picture surprised me as much as this film did this year.  Moving and powerful, Moonlight explores sexuality and masculinity in an urban African-American setting that is rarely explored.  The slow, panning camera let you feel each moment as Little grows to Chiron and transforms to Black.  In the end, this film simply gave me more to think about than any other film this year.

Filed Under: Film, TIFF Tagged With: Academy Awards, Amy Adams, Arrival, Birth of a Nation, Caesar!, Dr. Strange, Hail, Jackie, kubo and the two strings, La La Land, Moonlight, Oscars, Silence

The Best Films of 2016 (Updated)

December 15, 2016 by Jacob Sahms 1 Comment

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This year, there are no blockbusters, no Marvel superheroes, on my list of my favorite films. This year, the films that caught my eye – and held onto my imagination, days later – weren’t the ones with the biggest budgets, or even always the most-known cast and crew. This year, the films were films that captured my heart thanks to the power of their story, the visual presentation of their message, and the size of heart that that they conveyed.

Film criticism is a lot like politics in the media – everyone has an opinion, but they think they’re objective. [Seriously, Trolls holds a better Rotten Tomatoes score than Allied, Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them, and Collateral Beauty? C’mon, people. Trolls are just little plastic guys from a 1980s fad – or are we rating Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick?]

So, with apologies to Benedict Cumberbatch, and that unkillable antihero Deadpool, here are my top ten for 2016, trimmed down from the 135 films I saw. We won’t all agree, but we have to start somewhere.

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Hidden Figures is the best film I didn’t see coming. Thanks to solid performances and an incredibly bold story about faith, race, power, dreams, and engineering, it left me in tears – laughing and crying at the same time. When several women dream about breaking the glass ceiling of race and gender, they literally put a man on the moon. Octavia Spencer, Tariji B. Henson, and Janelle Monae provide a film that inspires and entertains.

 

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At Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb Guards or Sentinels keep watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier twenty-four hours a day, 365 days of the year, regardless of weather. In Ethan Morse’s film, The Unknowns, we were treated to an inside look at how the men of The Old Guard, a select unit from the U.S. Army, serve. With simple interviews, ‘live’ shots of the work these men do in front of the public and behind closed doors, the film carries with it a reminder that our flag still waves thanks to the bravery of some whose names will never be known. Months later, I am still reminded of its beauty, both in pure patriotism but also in faith – faith that one day, war will end and all people will be free.

 

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Bumping The Accountant from the list, Rogue One, a Star Wars Story proved to be the best film I’ve seen from the Rebel Alliance in thirty years. While the field has been increased – we finally have a non-Skywalker family drama – the power of the Force remained strong. With ample banter about faith, a wildly diverse cast, and a story that squeaks in at Film #3.5, we had a prequel to A New Hope with plenty of time to spare.

 

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Startling in its animation, thanks to the beauty of Laika’s stop-motion  capture, Kubo & the Two Strings spins a fantasy adventure around a one-eyed boy and his epic adventure to thwart his grandfather’s evil plan. Accompanied by a giant beetle (Matthew McConaughey) and a snow monkey (Charlize Theron), the young boy goes questing. With fewer laughs and more intensity than you might expect from a ‘kid’s cartoon,’ Kubo asks us to consider how we forgive, and what it means to care for our ancestors as they age. In a wonderful way, the fantastical road trip morphs into deeper explorations about life, death, and where we go from here.

 

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While it was impossible to watch The Birth of a Nation without considering the allegations against the story’s creators, Nate Parker and Jean McGianni Celestin, it was equally impossible to watch the film blind to the racial unrest in the United States almost two hundred years after the Nat Turner rebellion. Powerful in its simplicity, poignant in its relational dynamics, and spiritual in its evaluation of the use of religion to control, direct, and comfort, Parker’s film is haunting in its violence, and its awareness of the latent power of racism. While Turner was himself a preacher, the film’s use of Scripture from both sides stirred and troubled my soul.

 

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This year, two documentaries captured my attention, with The Insanity of God shining a light on the family of missionary Nik Ripken as he struggled with his faith after great tragedy. While this is Ripken’s story, it is also the story of others who bled and died for the gospel, told unflinchingly. I’ll never forget Ripken’s own admission, after interviewing others persecuted for their faith: “Now, I’m in deeper danger, because the Bible is coming alive. Satan had tricked me into believing that the Bible was an old book, with things that God used to do. And here I was experiencing the Bible in the present tense, with the things God did coming alive.” A movie that will surely ask you to consider what you believe, and what you would do to pursue your faith.

 

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What would you do to protect your child? What sacrifices would you make if you saw how beautiful, special, or powerful they were that no one else understood? Those are the questions that Midnight Special poses, thanks to writer/director Jeff Nichols’ emotionally wrestling with his own son’s mortality. In a stripped-down sci-fi exploration that would make Philip K. Dick or Steven Spielberg proud, the director of Loving gives us another chance to unpack our own humanity.

 

hellorhighwater

On the surface, Hell or High Water is a Jesse James/Butch Cassidy & Sundance kind of Western lark, set in the present. But thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s script, we explore the aging process of Jeff Bridges’ senior Texas Ranger and the us-against-the-system dynamics of two brothers, Toby and Tanner (Chris Pine and Ben Foster). [Ironically, I don’t always enjoy Foster’s movies, but he always impresses with his performance.] While there’s a bit of clever banter and action/adventure, the film’s heart is driving at the financial crisis of America and the futility for some when trying to improve themselves. Who is the villain here in this spiritual parable about love and grace? The bank and its overarching line of credit.

 

zootopia

It was a good year to be animated, and Zootopia was the crown jewel. I declared it a candidate for Best Film of the Year when I walked out of the debut, and it didn’t miss by much. Disney’s film about a ‘utopia’ where animals are divided into different boroughs, showed kids and adults alike what it meant to fight and get along. While the struggle was real, it also blended in some lessons about what it means to follow your dream – and be who you’re supposed to be even when others say you shouldn’t. In our bipartisan day and age, Zootopia asked us to consider whether we could love each other for what we brought to the table, rather than manipulating each other for what we could get out of it.

 

hacksawridge

My most anticipated film of the year – Hacksaw Ridge – did everything I hoped it would. Challenging patriotism, courage, and pacifism, the film asked us to consider the stances we take, and that others make, and how we respond to them. While faith was front and center, it still felt subtle – and somehow, more powerful. Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Desmond Doss tied the legend of the Medal of Honor winner to a story that felt real and grounded. Mel Gibson’s direction plus Terry Benedict’s research? This is one I hope to hear talked about next spring.

What did I miss? What do you need to see now? What criteria would you use instead? Post below and share your thoughts.

[Editor’s note: I still haven’t seen Collateral Beauty, Loving, Rogue One, or Sing as I write this. Edits pending?]

Filed Under: Current Events, DVD, Editorial, Featured, Film Tagged With: accountant, Birth of a Nation, Deadpool, Desmond Doss, Dr. Strange, Hacksaw Ridge, hell or high water, insanity of god, Jeff Bridges, kubo and the two strings, Marvel, Mel Gibson, Midnight Special, Moana, Rogue One, storks, the unknowns, Walt Disney, zootopia

3.5 Calling DR. STRANGE

November 7, 2016 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

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http://screenfish.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/3.5-Dr.-Strange.mp3

This week, Steve and ScreenFish comic guru Arnaldo Reyes take a step into Marvel’s mystical multiverse to discuss DR. STRANGE. Directed by Scott Derrickson, this film features eye-popping special effects but also reveals a spiritual conscience that surprises. Only on ScreenFish.

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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A special thanks to Arnaldo Reyes for joining us!

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Filed Under: Film, Podcast Tagged With: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dr. Strange, Mads Mikkelson, magic, Marvel, Marvel Studios, MCU, Scott Derrickson, The Ancient One, Tilda Swinton

Dr. Strange(r Things)

November 7, 2016 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

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“You’ve spent your whole life looking through a key hole.” – The Ancient One

When Robert Downey Jr. first brought Tony Stark to life in 2008’s Iron Man, none of us had any idea that we would be this far down the proverbial Marvel ‘rabbit hole’ at this point. A mere eight years later, we have seen everything from shrinking ex-cons to hammer-wielding demi-gods to talking raccoons do battle on the big screen and, over that time, I had become fairly convinced that Marvel Studios simply had no surprises left.

Dr. Strange has proven me wrong.

Dr. Strange enters another hero (are there any left?) into the Marvel Cinematic Universe by introducing Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a brilliant—but arrogant—surgeon. When a tragic car accident leaves him unable to practice medicine, he becomes emotionally lost and searches for answers amongst the mystics of the East. Learning from his otherworldly mentor, The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), Strange’s eyes are opened to the spiritual realities around him. Then, when a former student of the Ancient One threatens Earth’s balance of power, Strange is forced into a battle that he never sought out but of which he finds himself in the middle.

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Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Deliver Us From Evil), Dr. Strange gives the veteran director the daunting task of creating a visual atmosphere that is both terrifying and beautiful at the same time. Largely known for his horror films, Derrickson was clearly given the keys to the Kingdom regarding his special effects budget yet he manages to create this CGI wonderland in (sorcerer) supreme fashion. While the film’s visuals will undoubtedly be compared to other sci-fi entries such as Inception, The Matrix and even 2001: A Space Odyssey, Derrickson’s spin on the film is nonetheless both dazzling and unique.

The film has drawn several comparisons to Iron Man for its tale of the redemption of the powerful—and that’s not inaccurate. (In fact, given the quality of some of the other Marvel entries, it’s actually a high compliment.) As Stephen Strange, Cumberbatch delivers a solid and charaismatic performance (though they don’t give him much to work with in terms of the character’s depth).

Still, the real surprise of the film for me was its unabashed conversation about spirituality.

While it seems obvious that a film that includes magic and Eastern philosophy would contain some discussion of faith and believe, what really struck me was how enthusiastic about it. As the film opens, Strange himself has a very strict scientific mindset, believing only in his own abilities as a surgeon. When that worldview is threatened by the mysticism of the Ancient One, he exclaims, “There is no such thing as spirit. There is only matter!” His is a heart hardened by knowledge and self-amazement.

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However, after The Ancient One opens up his eyes—ever so briefly—to the world beyond his own understanding, Strange is completely transformed. For the first time, he recognizes that he is not the most powerful force in the universe.

And he is completely awestruck by it.

In the story he tells, director Scott Derrickson doesn’t just dip his toe into the idea of a larger spiritual reality, he dives in headfirst. In Dr. Strange, he demonstrates the supernatural to be something that actually has a vested interest in protecting the lives of the people, even if they continue about their lives blissfully unaware. (After all, like Strange himself, they too have ‘spent [their] whole lives looking through a key hole.’]

As a pastor, this depiction of belief strikes as a cinematic representation of ‘he who has an ear, let him hear’, as all are called but few are interested in seeing beyond their own world. Like Strange, we too can often become so wrapped up in ourselves that we miss the calling to experience the Kingdom beyond us.

Like Strange, we too need to be humbled and shaken from ourselves.

If we are, maybe we’ll be able to see beyond the key hole for the first time.

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Filed Under: Film, Reviews Tagged With: Ancient One, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dr. Strange, Iron Man, Mads Mikkelson, magic, Marvel, MCU, Mordo, mysticism, philosophy, Scott Derrickson, Sorcerer Supreme, Tilda Swinton, Tony Stark

Dr. Strange – It’s Not About you

November 4, 2016 by Arnaldo Reyes Leave a Comment

doctorstrangeThe Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) expands once again with the addition of Dr. Stephen Strange.

Dr. Strange brings us to a world of magic within the MCU that has been hinted at but never actually seen. Although we’ve heard his name before (Captain America: Winter Soldier), Stephen Strange had never been featured onscreen and now, finally, he makes his debut. In the comics, he is known as the Sorceror Supreme and carries a heavy burden of keeping our world and reality safe from the threats that others like the Avengers cannot see. However, Dr. Strange wasn’t always a believer of the spiritual and the mystical and that’s where this film begins.

Dr. Strange is an origin story that carries a similar feel to it as the film that started it all, Iron Man. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a man at the top of his profession who only thinks of himself. What a personal tragedy changes the way he sees the world, he begins a journey to find the true purpose of life.

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Dr. Strange features amazing Inception-like visuals that takes us into uncharted territory for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A number of different supernatural elements have been introduced throughout the Marvel films in recent years. In Thor, we first heard of the 9 realms. The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy introduced the idea of aliens and space. The series has also introduced us to the idea of the all-powerful Infinity Stones, eventually leading us to 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War (and Thanos, biggest of the bass). In Dr. Strange, we get to explore the ‘multiverse’, or the manner in which different dimensions intertwine with (and even on top of) each other. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Marvel film with out the adventure, a bad guy trying to destroy the world and a sense of humor that seems to hit at just the right moments.

With all that said, I believe that Dr. Strange is a good film–but not a great film. Visually, it’s stunning (except I felt that the climax was a let down). Story-wise, I felt it was average given that we’ve seen this before (and, frankly, done much better). I feel like they rushed his mystical progress and I would’ve preferred to see Strange “earn” it just a little more. (In fact, several years back, there was an animated film that, despite it’s faults, actually told the story of his journey to master the mystic arts more effectively than this film.) Personally, I feel that, by going big on the visuals, they took a little bit off on the storytelling, making the overall film just good and not great–and it could have been great. Benedict Cumberbatch did an amazing job as Dr. Stephen Strange. At any given moment, he was both charismatic and funny, compelling and arrogant and, in the end, embodied the character very well. However, the rest of the cast were mostly mediocre, leaving few memorable moments. In addition, the villain  really fell short to my expectations (almost to the level of Galactus in the second Fantastic Four film).

ancient one astral punch“Arrogance and fear still keep you from learning the simplest and most significant lesson of all… It’s not about you” -The Ancient One

In many ways, Strange’s journey is similar to many of ours as so much from this story applies to real life. Most of the time, our pride, our fears, our knowledge (or lack thereof) drive us and guide us. The reality is, there is so much more that we can tap into spiritually if we just surrender ourselves. There is a perfect plan and perfect path laid out for us but we just have to open our eyes and open our hearts. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24-25 “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” It’s not an easy thing to do, and its something we have to do daily. Still, when we finally realize that our lives are not about us, we can freely open our hearts to Jesus and find that what we thought was the perfect life was actually far from it.

Dr. Strange is a film that I wish would have challenged the main character a little bit more in order to reach his inevitable potential. However, the visuals and overall film are good enough and therefore watchable.

Just maybe not at premium price.

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Filed Under: Film, Reviews Tagged With: Avengers, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejofor, Disney, Dr. Strange, Mads Mikkelsen, magic, Marvel, Marvel Studios, Scott Derrickson, Thor, Tilda Swinton

Seeing and Believing: SciFi Returns to the 80s

November 2, 2016 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

“There has been an awakening. Have you felt it?”   -Supreme Leader Snoke, Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) Ph: Film Frame © 2014 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Right Reserved..

There’s always been a tension between seeing and believing.

Especially over the last few decades, there has been an increasingly heavy emphasis that truth exists only when we can prove things scientifically or experience them for ourselves. Over that time, this debate has caused a real tension between the church and the scientific community, seemingly forcing people to ‘pick a side’.

Unsurprisingly, this has also shown up on the big screen.

For instance, let’s just look at some of the most popular science fiction stories in recent years. Films like Prometheus, Interstellar, and The Martian have all been hits at the box office and explored questions of our purpose in life. In each case, the films shoot for lofty ideas but land on the idea that life is really about us and what we can do. (For instance, often called a ‘love letter to science’, The Martian also explains that, “if you solve enough problems, you get to come home.”)

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In an interesting twist, even some of the most recent Biblical epics attempted to explain God’s interaction with creation in a more scientific manner. Films such as Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods and Kings and (arguably) Aronovsky’s Noah have both offered new depictions of the Biblical stories with a smaller focus on God and a greater emphasis on our human perspective and understandings as a source of hope.

Now, hear me out. I’m not, in anyway, taking a shot at science. Not at all. It’s our primary way of understanding our world. However, what I am noticing is that the pendulum of knowledge has swung so far in the ‘seeing to believe’ direction that our culture seems to have lost it’s ability to believe in anything other than itself.

But I think that the pendulum is about to swing back.

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All of a sudden, science fiction has opened the door a crack to admit that, sometimes, they don’t have all the answers. This year alone, there have been some substantial film releases that take a scientific approach that, although helpful and meaningful, isn’t always the final word on what’s real. Films like Jeff Nichol’s Midnight Special, Marvel’s Dr. Strange, this summer’s underrated Ghostbusters reboot or even Netflix’s massive hit, Stranger Things, have all fused a scientific worldview with an eye staring keenly into the spiritual.

Now, these films tell us that we have to believe to see.

Just look at Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

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When rebooting the franchise, one of the most important factors in the film’s success was bringing back an emphasis on the mystery of ‘the Force’. Whereas George Lucas wanted to explain away this amazing power in his infamous prequels—remember Midichlorians?—the fans and director J. J. Abrams wanted the Force to be seen as mysterious. By emphasizing the power of the Force, Abrams breathed new life into an idea that had lost its grandeur, without taking away any scientific explanations the Lucas had introduced.

Science and faith were friends again.

Interestingly, all of these examples are ‘throwback’ feel to them. Whether they take place in the 1980s themselves or are simply reboots of old franchises, each case seems to point to a ‘simpler time’. With this in mind, one has to ask if, maybe, our world is wondering if, for all our advancements, we’ve lost something along the way. Is it possible that, with all we’ve learned, we’re starting to realize that there’s still something powerful that we can’t explain? Does God really fit into our scientific worldview?

Maybe, our culture has finally realized that, to understand our world, we need both seeing and believing.

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Filed Under: Editorial, Film Tagged With: Benedict Cumberbatch, Darren Aronovsky, Dr. Strange, Exodus, Finn, J. J. Abrams, Jedi, lightsaber, Marvel, Matt Damon, Noah, Ridley Scott, Star Wars, stranger things, The Force Awakens, The Martian

Comic-Con International

July 21, 2016 by Arnaldo Reyes Leave a Comment

comic-con-2016It used to be that when you mentioned Comic-Con, it was only referencing San Diego. However, in the past decade, pop culture has evolved and, with so many “comic-con’s”, one has to be more specific.

Comic-Con International is THE Comic-Con.

There isn’t any that actually comes close to the massive convention that takes over San Diego, CA every year. As the gaming industry and Hollywood have jumped on board, the Con has developed and now focuses on more than just comics making it a behomoth of a convention. In fact, Comic-Con International has grown so large that the San Diego Convention Center can no longer contain it, spilling into the streets and nearby hotels in downtown San Diego (even the San Diego Public Library has panels this year!).

Since we all know how big it’s become, let’s get to what we can expect this year. Due to personal reasons, I can’t make it to the event this time (my nice Walking Dead press badge is sitting on my kitchen table), but I am more than happy to share what I know and what to expect each day.

Outside of Twitter and Facebook, you can follow live from Comic-Con from the likes of ScreenJunkies Central (YouTube), Marvel.com/sdcc2016, twitch.tv/skybound, and comic-conhq.com. Some will be comics related, others movies and shows, and some breaking news as they come.

Whether you are attending Comic-Con, or following from afar, here is what you can keep an eye out for this weekend when it comes to movies and TV.

Thursday:

luke-cageExpect news and chatter from CBS Tevlevision presentation early in the day. However, even with Dreamworks presenting on the first day, I expect most of the news and conversation will be from Netflix/Marvel Luke Cage series. That panel is near the end of the day, so expect news, descriptions of footage and how the series can stack up next to Daredevil and Jessica Jones.

Friday:

Marvel’s Agents of Shield will be on hand discussing what happened in Season 3 and also what to expect in Season 4 (perhaps a fiery skull faced motorcycle rider?)

As great as that news might be, the big guns of TV will take center stage on Friday as The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones will be the talk of Hall H.

Also, Friday evening is the world premiere of WB/DC Animated Batman: The Killing Joke that sees the return of Mark Hamill as The Joker, Kevin Conroy as Batman, and Tara Strong as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon. This title remains a very popular comic book that many fans have been clamoring for, and one of the few Joker origin stories that many refer back to. Batman: The Killing Joke will also have a one-time theatrical debut on Monday July 25 or, if you don’t have tickets, you can also wait until it comes out on digital or Blu-ray.

Saturday:

wwssAs the biggest day of the event. If you are in San Diego, this has to be the one day where you looked at the schedule and channeled your inner Luke Skywalker “NOOOOOOOOOO”. For TV shows, the day features: Once Upon a Time; Supergirl; Flash; Arrow; Vampire Diaries; Grimm; DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. That is one heck of a lineup all in Ballroom 20. So expect announcements and confirmations all throughout the day. One thing I’m looking out for with these, are the rumors true that Batwoman and Oracle will be debuting on season 2 of Supergirl? We shall see!

Well, the TV shows are just the appetizer. Saturday is the big Hall H day as well. Warner Bros. will start the day off with a monstrous 3 hour slot that includes Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, Lego Batman, King Arthur and Kong: Skull Island. One film that’s surprisingly missing though is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. One would think that bringing back the world of Harry Potter would be a no brainer, but the film does not appear on their schedule. Either way, Wonder Bros. is sure to have the talk of the day.

Star Trek, which had their premiere Wednesday evening, has the unfortunate task of following Warner Bros. After them, it’s a 30th anniversay panel of Aliens, and one of the most recent popular additions is Entertainment Weekly’s Women who Kick Ass.

strange-1However, the final big presentation of the day belongs to Marvel Studios. We are for certain that Dr. Strange and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 will be shown. Fans can also expect something from Thor: Ragnarok, as well as possible details on Black Panther film and of course, Spiderman: Homecoming. Marvel never dissappoints, so stay tuned Saturday night as I’m sure social media will be on a frenzy over what happened at the Marvel Studios presentation.

Sunday:

This is the “Get the last deals before you leave” day… but contrary to popular belief, there are still panels.

Hungover from his Marvel Studios Dr. Strange panel the night before, Benedict Cumberbatch will be on hand for Sherlock, followed by Supernatural. And well, actually, that’s it, so maybe Sunday is deals day!

Well, there you have it, what to expect this weekend. Follow ScreenFish on Facebook as we will try to share any breaking news we hear.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Current Events, Film, News, Television Tagged With: Arrow, Black Panther, Comic-Con, Comic-Con 2016, Dr. Strange, Marvel, San Diego, Supergirl, The Flash, Thor, Warner Bros., Wonder Woman

Dr. Strange: Doctor Who? An Introduction to the MCU’s Newest Hero

April 13, 2016 by Arnaldo Reyes Leave a Comment

drstrangeAs the resident comic book aficionado, I will admit that my knowledge of Stephen Strange is limited to the basics. But for all of us, the basics are a great place to start as we will be introduced to this character over the next few months, courtesy of Marvel Studios.

During ‘Marvel Week’ on Jimmy Kimmel, Dr. Strange himself (Benedict Cumberbatch) debuted the first teaser trailer for the  newest member of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. We get a small glimpse of the feel that director Scott Derrickson will be bringing to the Sorcerer Supreme. One can’t help but see a little of The Matrix or Inception within the visuals of the trailer, though that fits the world of Dr. Strange perfectly. Just as Thor brought us into the world of Asgard, Dr. Strange will look to bring another dynamic of magic to the MCU.

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One of the most prominent surgeon’s in the world, Stephen Strange reached a point where saving lives depended on whether or not the patient could afford him.  Luxury surpassed compassion, until an accident takes everything away from him. As a result, Stephen Strange finds himself at rock bottom and, after using up all of his resources, he travels to the furthest and most remote place in the world in search for a cure. His journey brings him to the Ancient One, a mysterious sage who teaches him that all he has ever believed in is nothing more than a self-centered lie. Here, his life is changed forever as he learns of a faith in something beyond what we can see and the reality of the spiritual. He then trains in the ancient arts to understand it, but also to fight the dark forces within the spiritual realm.

“There are other ways to save lives” Ancient One (Tilda Swinton)

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From the looks of the trailer, Cumberbatch and Derrickson seek to bring this remarkable story of a man who had everything and then loses it all in a stunning and emotional way. The film should and will likely be the spiritual journey of a character that is not as well-known as Captain America, Spiderman, Iron Man or Thor, but he will bring a new and interesting element to the MCU. Marvel has tackled the “magic” aspect of Asgard, but Strange will touch a more spiritual route and it will be interesting to see how it comes about in the film. Check out the trailer below and let us know what you think!

Dr. Strange stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Tilda Swinton , Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mads Mikkelsen and Rachel McAdams. Directed by Scott Derrickson it will hit theatres on November 4, 2016.

Dr. Strange Teaser Trailer

Filed Under: Film, News, Reviews Tagged With: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejofor, Dr. Strange, Marvel, Marvel Studios, Rachel McAdams, Scott Derrickson, Tilda Swinton

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