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Kathryn Hahn

7.11 Tuning In to WANDAVISION

February 14, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

After a long absence, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has finally made its triumphant return. Streaming exclusively on Disney+, WandaVision tells the story of beloved characters Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) who finally have the lives they’ve always wanted. However, as the white picket fence starts to show its cracks, the facade seems to point to something more sinister. Told through the lens of classic television sitcoms, WandaVision is a wild ride that pushes the Marvel Universe into the weirdest of places, giving it a charm and darkness that have kept audiences glued to their sets. Tune in this week as we’re joined by SF’ers Heather Johnson, Miriam Ibrahim and newcomer Dina Hamdia to talk about tv as a place of safety and the power of grief. 

You can stream the episode on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can download 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.

7.11 WandaVisionDownload

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: Disney+, Elizabeth Olsen, Kathryn Hahn, Kevin Feige, Marvel, MCU, Paul Bettany, WandaVision

WandaVision: Reviving the MCU in the Past

January 15, 2021 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

To an extent, the Marvel Cinematic Universe reminds me of the old song that says, ‘How Can I Miss You If You Won’t Go Away?’

It goes without saying that, after 22 movies (including the highest grossing film of all time) that have dominated the box office to the tune of over $22 billion, the MCU has become the premiere cinematic franchise in the last decade. Like many others, I’ve thrilled at watching a series of films where alien invasions, magic powers and even time-travel have become realities in a universe that seems to have no limits. However, after Avengers: Endgame destroyed all box office records and essentially wrapped up all their active storylines, my enthusiasm for their never-ending commitment to ‘the next phase’ was waning. Frankly, I needed a break.

In this way, the pandemic was definitely good for something.

After the worldwide shut-down forced the MCU (and most other things) to go on hiatus, the break has allowed the dust from the series’ dramatic conclusion* to finally settle. After 18 months—the longest gap without new Marvel material in over a decade, if you can believe it—the emergence of Disney’s streaming empire has allowed the MCU to slowly wind up the gears for its much-needed reset. So finally, with Friday’s launch of their new Disney+ series WandaVision, the MCU has officially returned. 

And it’s about to get weird(er)… in the best of ways.

Bound to be divisive, WandaVision’s refresh is an intentionally wild and unique re-introduction to the world of the MCU. Set in the world of classic television sitcoms, WandaVision is a limited miniseries that follows the marital bliss of the MCU’s beloved power couple, the mystical Wanda ‘Scarlett Witch’ Maximoff (Ashley Olsen) and the cybernetic Vision (Paul Bettany). As the two attempt to fit in to their unconventional suburban life, Wanda can’t help but sense that a darkness lurks that threatens their utopian world.

While not their first foray into the world of television (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter), WandaVision is the first of their truly integrated series that is supposed to blur the lines between cinema and streaming content. Stars Bettany and Olsen are clearly revelling in the opportunity to portray their relationship with a fresh lens and the results are palpable onscreen. Bouncing around with enthusiastic energy, the duo make good use of their chemistry from previous Marvel films as they bring revive a bygone era. (Though, arguably, the real MVP of this MCU property is veteran Kathryn Hahn who is simply delightful playing an endless string of ‘best friend’ tropes.)

With its bizarre concept and style, it goes without saying that WandaVision is Marvel’s greatest ‘risk’. But, frankly, that’s always when they’re at their most interesting. Without any mention of the Avengers, ‘the Blip’ or other MCU tropes (so far), WandaVision feels like the fever dream of Marvel’s super-couple after falling asleep on the couch watching ‘Nick-At-Nite’. Having said this, that same separation is what also makes make the series work. While it feels inevitable that WandaVision will edge towards the superhero epic, this classic sitcom diversion is simply stunning to behold. With each episode, the miniseries fully leans into a different decade of the early years of television. Whether it’s the static sets of 1950s comedy ala I Love Lucy or the more mischievous whimsical atmosphere of early Bewitched, Shakman and his team have managed to recreate television history without fully losing the sense that there’s a greater Marvel story lurking underneath. Small details like separate beds for the married couple, charming theme songs and commercial breaks help build authenticity with a playful wink. (In fact, they even recorded the first episode of the series in front of a live studio audience.) 

Of course, this is a Marvel product and the premiere episodes carry with them the bubbling undercurrent of a much larger conspiracy. Though this tv world feels ‘perfect’, Wanda clearly is experiencing some form of ‘bad reception’. There’s a certain level of fragility within their suburban utopia. Mysterious messages from outside the world break through the innocence of the black and white world. 

But who is in control? Without giving away any spoilers, this tv reality seems like the type of environment that one might create to avoid dealing with the darkness of the real world. Within the heart of classic sitcoms lies a certain level of distance from cultural (or personal) change. One does not have to look any further from the (far too) gradual developments within television’s early age regarding issues of gender, race or sexuality to see that they reinforce cultural ideas designed to reinforce ideas of the dominant culture of their era. Is it possible that there’s a certain level of safety in these spaces or is something more nefarious going on with Wanda and her digital spouse? (Knowing the MCU, it’s possible that it’s both but answers have been sparse thus far.)

With a fresh tone and absolutely bonkers concept, WandaVision is a welcome re-introduction to a cinematic (do we use that word in this case?) universe that seemed to be running out of ideas. Thankfully, with the gift of time and, more importantly, creativity, WandaVision shows that Marvel is willing to experiment in their quest for content when the opportunity rises.

And, when Marvel takes risks, that’s something worth tuning in for.

The first two episodes of WandaVision are available on Disney+ on Friday, January 15th, 2021, with weekly episodes to follow.

*For what it’s worth, its fair to say that the last Marvel film was technically Spider-Man: Far From Home. However, that film was ultimately considered an epilogue on a story that ended the film prior, Avengers: Endgame.

Filed Under: Disney+, Featured, Reviews Tagged With: Disney, Disney+, Elizabeth Olsen, I Love Lucy, Kathryn Hahn, Kevin Feige, Marvel, MCU, Paul Bettany, WandaVision

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

July 25, 2018 by Julie Levac Leave a Comment

Image result for hotel transylvania 3

Hotel Transylvania brought us the story of a safe space for all monsters, a touching father/daughter relationship, and what happens when a vampire and a human fall in love.

In the second installment, we welcome Dennis (or, of course, Dennisavitch), the half vampire/half human addition to the family.

But, in Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, we take a break from Mavis’ evolution, and bring the focus back to Dracula himself.  After the death of his wife, Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) became completely focused on his daughter, Mavis (voiced by Selena Gomez), ensuring that she was raised with love and complete safety.  Now that Mavis is married and a mother, it’s time for Dracula to move on. He’s lonely and needs companionship (and it’s clear that dating apps are not his best friend).  Mavis can tell that Dracula is not being himself so, initially against his will, she takes the entire group on a cruise to the mysterious Bermuda Triangle. Clever location for a monster cruise, I thought.

Image result for hotel transylvania 3

The film begins with a history lesson of sorts, as we get a glimpse of Dracula’s archenemy, Van Helsing (voiced by Jim Gaffigan).  I’m sure you recognize this name. Van Helsing dates back to the original Dracula film of 1897 and has been featured in numerous novels and films over the decades.  It seems only natural that the infamous vampire hunter makes some sort of appearance in the Hotel Transylvania trilogy. Although, perhaps, this might have been an easy story line to grab in order to extend the series.  Personally, I found that introducing an archenemy in the more lovable Hotel Transylvania series gave it more of a ‘Despicable Me’ vibe.

The entirety of this film has an overall theme of family legacy.  (Though I’m not reaching very far for that theme – I mean, the cruise ship was even named ‘Legacy’.)  Our pal Van Helsing is obsessed with the ideas of his great-granddaughter, Ericka (posing as the cruise director), capturing a weapon (the “family heirloom”), killing Dracula, and fulfilling the Van Helsing family legacy.

However, the plot twists when Dracula ‘zings’ and falls head over heels for young Ericka.  Initially, Ericka (voiced by Kathryn Hahn) runs with it, even going on a fake date with Dracula in an attempt to get closer to her supposed enemy.  But as the film progresses, Ericka seems to see something more in Dracula, and we see her struggling with these conflicting feelings.  The love story between Dracula and Ericka is very Romeo and Juliet, portraying them as star-crossed lovers unable to be together because of their feuding family past.

We see an interesting role reversal with Mavis and Dracula.  All of Mavis’ life, Dracula has protected her, and was very concerned when a love interest came on the scene, especially a human!  Though, in Hotel Transylvania 3, Mavis becomes very concerned and protective of her father when he begins his relationship with Ericka. Mavis immediately senses that she’s trouble. And, interestingly, Dracula also falls for a human.

Image result for hotel transylvania 3

As we near the end of the film, we see a very unexpected undertone that touches on the extraordinary power of music.  When paired with a specific musical composition, the “family heirloom” that Ericka captured (which is really a quasi-weapon of mass destruction), turns the typically friendly sea creature, The Kraken (voiced by Joe Jonas), into a furious monster.  Trapped on a sea structure for the final party, Dracula and the gang have nowhere to run when The Kraken begins demolishing the structure and aiming his tentacles directly at them. Well, luckily, Johnny is a wannabe DJ who pulls out his music library and counteracts the evil composition with a set of the happiest music he’s got, a set list that includes everything from “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” to the infamous “Macarena”. This was a riot of a scene–and I embarrassed by daughter by doing the Macarena in the theatre. (90’s for the win!)

Finally, we go out on a kind note as the evil Van Helsing is saved instead of destroyed, despite his plans to destroy Dracula.  The lovable Murray (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key) put is so well: “You gotta be greater than the haters”.

Filed Under: Film, Reviews Tagged With: Adam Sandler, dracula, hotel transylvania 3, jim gaffigan, joe jonas, Kathryn Hahn, keegan-michael key, selena gomez, the kraken, van helsing

Bad Moms: Freed for What?

November 1, 2016 by Jacob Sahms Leave a Comment

badmoms

“Moms don’t quit. Quitting is for dads!”

That’s basically the summation of the latest raunchy comedy wrapped around a message about independence, freedom, and friendship. For everyone who ever wished there was an Old School or a Bridesmaids for moms, the minds behind The Hangover deliver… Bad Moms.

Interestingly enough, Bad Moms is the story delivered by writer/directors Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. In a film about women finding their own voice, there’s some irony there – but it still carries with it some hilarious moments, some “did they just…?” moments, and some stand-up-and-cheer moments. That’s thanks to a witty script and the diverse assembly of actresses that Universal unleashed.

BAD MOMS

Amy Mitchell (Mila Kunis) is the steady half of a marriage – she takes care of the kids from sunup to sundown, works full-time for part-time pay, and takes care of her husband, David Walton’s Mike, who is even more juvenile than her children. When Mike betrays her with an online tryst, Amy snaps, kicking him out, and launching into a wild thrill ride with the hyper-sexualized Carla (Kathryn Hahn) and the repressed Kiki (Kristen Bell) that involves too much drinking, bad choices, and recognizing that she’s not perfect.

Up against Amy in her fight for individuality and motherhood is the picture of snide perfection, Christina Applegate’s condescendingly ominous Gwendolyn James and her two cronies, Stacy (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Vicky (Amy Mumolo). Gwendolyn controls everything about the school, including the soccer coach (J.J. Watts in a hilarious cameo) and the principal (Wendell Pierce). But Amy is not alone – and that’s before she starts romancing single dad Jessie (Jay Hernandez).

While we recognize that Amy has been unfairly treated – by her husband and others in her life, she begins to see that finding herself and her space in life doesn’t have to be at the cost of everything. There’s a balance she comes to that grounds the film: yes, she doesn’t have to be a perfect mom but she still has responsibilities, purpose, and meaning even when she feels like all is lost. Amy is a mom – even if she thinks she’s a bad one!

And just in case you’re worried… Bad Dads is due in July 2017!

You can also see the real life stars interview their real life moms, laugh along with the gag reel, and check out deleted scenes. It just might change how you see motherhood… or not. 

Filed Under: DVD, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Jada Pinkett Smith, Jay Hernandez, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis

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