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SF Radio 9.07: Grieving Heroes in BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

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After the real-life death of Chadwick Boseman, fans of the franchise were left shaken. More than that, however, it left the direction for the mega-hit MCU franchise in jeopardy as well. However, in BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER manages to do the impossible, creating an engaging story while still meeting fan expectations. This week, SF’ers Seun Olowo-Ake and Chris Utley return to talk about why Boseman’s death differs from other heroes and grappling with grief.

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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The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special: Holiday Cheer and Redefining Home

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This Black Friday, the best holiday deal you’re going to find is on Disney+.

Written and directed by James Gunn, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special begins as the Guardians wonder how they can help Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). As the Terran celebration known as ‘Christmas’ approaches, they notice that he’s hardly in the holiday spirit. In an effort to cheer him up, Drax and Mantis (Dave Bautista and Pom Clementieth) decide to give him the ultimate gift by bringing Quill his favourite ‘hero’: Kevin Bacon.

Fans looking for progression and character development here will likely end up disappointed as this adventure has very little to do with the larger franchise, despite claims otherwise. (However, it’s worth noting that two small bits of information are revealed that could play an important part in the upcoming Vol. 3.) Nevertheless, this is the type of entry that Disney+ is made for. Fueled by Christmas cheer, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is short, silly and an absolute party from start to finish. 

Once again, Gunn’s signature style is also very much at work here. Featuring another hot soundtrack, Holiday Special plays right into fan’s expectations with its humour and heart. (Although, it’s also worth noting that the best song may be its initial ditty about how aliens just don’t understand the holiday.) 

While he may be making the move over to DC in the future, Gunn clearly still enjoys playing with his Marvel toys. Having established and defined this group of ragtag misfits, Gunn has a love for these characters that remains evident. After two films and several other appearances (including a new Guardians ride that he directed at Walt Disney World), Gunn has ensured that we have a relationship with these characters and care about their well-being. After all, why else would we care if Peter Quill is sad on Christmas? It’s actually a tribute to Gunn’s work that fans have become so invested Quill’s trauma that from the loss of Gamora that this story would even be an interesting to fans of the MCU. 

He has cared about them. So, we still care about them.

As a result, Holiday Special is a hilarious addition to the series that, while silly and non-sensical, still somehow becomes heartwarming by its finale. While all the Guardians are involved, this is truly a story anchored and led by Drax and Mantis. Somewhere along the line, these two characters have become the soul of the team and have delightful chemistry onscreen. In Holiday Special, the duo are unleashed and let their silliest impulses run wild while never losing the heart of the characters that has made them so beloved. (Although, one must also recognize the work here by Bacon who simply leans into the holiday spirit with an almost giddy performance.)

What’s interesting about a lot of modern holiday specials is the fact that they want to talk about Christmas without actually talking about Christmas. While Quill mourns the loss of the holiday from his home planet, we aren’t really left with much knowledge as to why. Instead, to borrow a line from NBC’s now-defunct series Community, the Guardians Holiday Special seems to suggest that ‘the meaning of Christmas is that there’s meeting in Christmas’. Christmas lights stun the eyes and giving gifts to the ones you love feels important. But the love of the holiday seems to stem from a love for the holiday itself.

However, one of the clearest emotional notes of the Special is its relationship to family. Having travelled far across the galaxy at a young age, they see that Quill feels like something is missing. As Kraglin remembers Quill’s holiday failings with Yondu, he and the Guardians believe that he has lost a piece of himself without his home. Because he’s been separated from his home world, Quill has experienced great loss in his life. Whether it’s his family or Gamora, the holidays have left him feeling lost without a family.

And therein lies the secret to the holidays within this story. 

For the Guardians, to discover Christmas is to recognize the importance of being with family. While Quill may miss the decor of the holidays, what means the most to him is being with the ones that he loves. As such, this Holiday Special features no villain to be defeated (an MCU first, btw) or world to save. Instead, it simply wants to sit with holiday humour and remind fans to treasure the people around us. In doing so, the Specialrecognizes that, no matter what corner of the galaxy you’re in, it’s these people that make a home.

Although, getting Kevin Bacon as a Christmas gift doesn’t hurt either. 

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is available on Disney+ on Friday, November 25th, 2022.

Not-So-Random Thoughts after 2 Screenings of BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

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EPIC SPOILERS IN THIS COMMENTARY. DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE FILM

They wrote his death into the story! 

Not a casual mention. Or a start with the all white funeral scene and tribute. Ryan Coogler added T’Challa/Chadwick’s Into. The. Movie – specifically stating that he died of a disease.

I wept. 

Grief. 

We theatre audiences walked into our seats with popcorn in hand and Chadwick in our hearts to the tune of $330 million worldwide and counting to watch a master class on GRIEF! Stunning! The impact of Thanos’s snap has NOTHING on this, IMO. 

Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

The ladies now at the helm of Wakanda all experience it in heavy duty ways:

Shuri lost her father AND her brother.  

Queen Ramonda lost her husband and her beloved son. Halfway through this epic story, she would lose her life – propelling Shuri into ANOTHER wave of grief. 

Fierce and mighty Dora Milaje General Okoye experiences it. She lost her king – and, eventually, her title as the result of the surface level attack by Namor’s army. 

Nakia lost more than a king and ruler. She lost the love of her life. But instead of sitting in her grief and allowing it to consume her, she took that grief and moved forward. We discover in this story that she becomes headmistress of a Haitian school. We ALSO discover that King T’Challa had prepared her for what was to come…and left the ultimate gift to preserve his memory and legacy!

Grief is at the heart of Namor’s story, story. Witnessing the slaughter of his people on the surface land, his grief turns into fury. The fury consumed his heart and war ensues. 

Shaking my head as I type this as I think about this narrative. What happens when grief consumes the heart of mankind. When you watch Shuri take center stage in this story, you’re watching that fight take place in her soul. The consummation reaches its apex when, in the worst kept secret in 2022 cinema, she takes her place as the new Black Panther by creating a synthetic version of The Heart Shaped Herb and journeys to the Ancestral Plane. But it’s not her newly deceased mom, dad or CGI holographic version of her brother who meets her there. It’s her cousin – THE COUSIN whose own consumed grief was the catalyst of the first adventure! 

Killmonger offers her a choice: To be noble like her brother, or to handle business (TRANSLATION, give into the grief and burn the world down). To watch her in anguish make that choice left me utterly speechless. 

Watching her in grief made me think of my own losses. Like her, I have lost a parent and a sibling in my own life. For years the anger consumed me. The smile I used to have as a little boy developed into a scowl by the time I was 40. I spent the last 10 years of my life walking my own journey away from grief and back to joy. God offers us beauty for ashes, joy for our pain and a garment of praise for our spirit of heaviness. But, to embrace the new garment that God offers us, we must do what Shuri is reluctant to do: Burn that old heavy garment of mourning in order to walk in that spirit of praise and new hope. 

Those 2 hours 41 minutes are a lot. A whole lot. Ryan Coogler absolutely wrecks us in the best way possible. In terms of scope, depth, grandeur, performance and texture, it’s the biggest film a Black director has ever made. Hands down. I didn’t expect Coogler to make a movie at least 5 times bigger than the original. But he did it. And I’m still trying to pry my jaw off the floor!

It’s cliche to claim a film to be critic proof. But, for the target audience, in which I absolutely declare that I and my African/African American kinsmen were INDEED the target audience, this film absolutely is critic proof. As I said up top, we carried Chadwick in our hearts. He is ours. That movie was for us. As the dedication card declares, he was and is our friend. 

And our friend is smiling from the heavenlies as his legacy lives on.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now available in theatres.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Grief is Not the End

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It was never going to be an easy task.

After death after the tragic death of Chadwick Boseman, the return to the Black Panther franchise became frought with controversy and challenges. Whether it was the rallying cry to recast T’Challa, or simply attempting to create a project that honours the legacy of one of Marvel‘s greatest heroes, the sequel to Black Panther felt like a doomed project from the start. Although the cast was committed to creating something of the highest possible quality, this is almost an impossible expectation to meet under the circumstance. However, against all odds, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is an undeniably touching tribute to the life of Boseman, while still managing to deliver the Marvel goods in an epic way. 

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever follows the nation of Wakanda as they are left in collective grief over the tragic death of King T’Challa. As reinstated leader, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) informs the world council that, despite the loss of T’Challa, they are very much a nation of power and pride who are willing to embrace the next chapter of leadership. However, when the mysterious aquatic nation of Talokan—led by the powerful Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejia)—asserts their claim to Wakanda’s resources, Shuri (Letitia Write), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje must fight to preserve their home.

Almost strangely, Wakanda Forever feels more internally-focused than other recent entries into the uber-franchise. For example, Coogler has created a film that features all the epic battle sequences that one would expect from traditional Marvel fare. (The battle within Wakanda itself is particularly impressive.) However, at the same time, Wakanda Forever is a film that feels quite content to grapple with its own issues, with no Thanos or Kang-like threat lying in the wings. Marvel is always at its best when character is emphasized over spectacle and Wakanda Forever is surprisingly willing to sit in the quieter moments. As a result, this easily becomes one of the best films in the current phase of storytelling as it allows the characters space to grieve.

A scene from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

In a lot of ways, Wakanda Forever is a surprisingly appropriate film to end Marvel’s Phase 4. From Black Widow to WandaVision to even Thor: Love and Thunder, Marvel‘s theme for much of their content during this current phase of the Marvel Universe has dealt with how to recover from grief and trauma. This theme absolutely extends into Wakanda Forever as Boseman‘s death weighs heavily upon the film. Unlike other Marvel deaths, Boseman’s actual passing has left a mark upon both the fictional world and the real-world fanbase, causing difficult decisions for those behind the scenes. Do you recast the character? Change the identity of the Panther? All of these options have been hotly debated in recent years but, thankfully, the film treats his passing with honour and respect. In this vision of Wakanda, the nation mourns the death of their king and desperately searches for a way forward. As such, like other Marvel content in recent years, Wakanda Forever becomes a tribute to the power of legacy, and what it means to heal after a tragic loss. 

(Center): Danai Gurira as Okoye in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

Although Boseman’s passing weighs heavily on this latest chapter of the story of Wakanda, it is the women who step forward with strength and fury. From Letitia Wright and Lupita Nyong’o to Dani Gurira and the Dora Milaje, the women of Wakanda are determined to protect their home and lead into the future. This is especially true in Wright’s performance as she brings a maturity to her character that was missing in the first film. While the first adventure portrayed her as the ‘kid sister of the king’, Wakanda Forever allows her to grow into a more complex character. (“Someone who has seen as much tragedy as you can no longer be called a child,” M’Baku informs her.) 

However, standing tallest amongst these Wakandan warriors is Bassett. As T’Challa’s grieving mother and the reinstated Queen of Wakanda, she is positively fierce. Broken by grief yet fueled by determination, there’s a passion and fury within Bassett’s work here that feels authentic. Although Wright may be the film’s focus, Bassett remains its heart and soul.

Angela Bassett as Ramonda in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

And soul is an appropriate term for Wakanda Forever.

Left with an anger created by their suffering and hurt, this is a country (and a franchise) that is looking to rediscover its soul. Determined to soldier on, Wakanda struggles to know what the future looks like, leaving them with a sense of uncertainty. Here, each character lies determined to carry on the legacy of their fallen king, yet remain unsure about how to do so. This is particularly exemplified in the journey of Shuri, who remains broken by the loss of her departed brother. Wrought with anger, there is a recklessness of her character in this film that tempts her to lean into her darker impulses. Without giving any spoilers, Shuri’s emotional journey is the focal point of much of the film as she grapples with the tension between holding on and letting go. 

Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

This is not to say that Marvel isn’t up to its old tricks in terms of thinking towards the future of the franchise. New characters such as Riri Williams, Namor the Submariner and the inclusion of Talokan are introduced as more foes/allies for Wakanda—and, potentially, the Avengers—in future entries. (What’s more, one can’t help but feel bad for James Cameron as he primes himself to reintroduce another group of blue-skinned, water-based warriors in only a few weeks’ time.) However, what’s most important is that these new characters are not the aspect of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever that resonate after the (post)credits roll. Instead, Coogler has managed to create a proper farewell for one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes while still offering hope for the future.

And, in times of grief, that is always what’s needed most.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is available in theatres on Friday, November 11th, 2022.

Werewolf by Night: Classic Monsters vs. Corrupt Man

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Marvel is always at its most interesting when it takes risks

While not every experiment always works, the mega-franchise always feels a little fresher when they are willing to colour outside the lines of their own franchise formula. With the release of Werewolf by Night on Disney+, Marvel has yet again taken its toys out of the box to try something unique. 

Werewolf by Night begins on a dark and stormy night follows Jack Russell (Gael Garcia Bernal), a monster hunter who joins a group of fellow beastly killers as they converge on Bloodstone Temple after the passing of their wealthy benefactor. In order to claim his powerful inheritance, the group must engage in a mysterious hunt for a vicious monster. However, Jack also has his own secret that threatens his involvement in the game and unleashes the rage of his fellow hunters.

Ulysses Bloodstone in Marvel Studios’ WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

With its new interest in short form ‘specials’, Werewolf by Night is somewhat of a refreshing experiment for the MCU. Without investing in 8-10 episodes, we are simply allowed to enjoy a simple story. Although there’s no doubt that that this particular episode will tie into some larger plans somewhere down the line, Werewolf is a tightly-executed, horror feast that can be devoured in less than an hour. 

For this generation of Marvel storytelling, that’s saying something.

Although Werewolf also checks a lot of the Marvel boxes such as introducing new CGI beasties and potential franchise building, the special feels much smaller in scope in comparison to their other films and TV shows. Focusing on several monster hunters gathered and tasked to kill the most beastly of creatures amongst the maze-like grounds of their deceased benefactor, this is set-up to be one single night of monster mayhem. This is meant to feel like something outside of the MCU and, for the most part, it does so successfully as Werewolf feels like a classic monster mash from the 1930s. Shooting entirely in black-and-white and featuring sets that border on German Expressionism, the special is an aberration to the brightly-lit world of the MCU. (Though, frankly, the effects here feel more tightly executed than She-Hulk.) 

Harriet Sansom Harris as Verussa in Marvel Studios’ WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

It’s also worth noting that the special is a little gorier than traditional Marvel products. Featuring severed limbs and blood splatters, families with younger viewers should note that Werewolf kicks up the violence a notch in order to be more in keeping with the Halloween season. Even so, the gore still remains toned down for the Marvel audience. By blurring the beastly feasts and minimizing the violent visuals, it never leans too far into its brutality. 

However, instead of creating a monster to be hated, Marvel takes the edges off its ‘with or against us’ premise and shows us another side of the beast. Introducing yet another Marvel monster into the fray, we soon quickly realize that this is not a creature to be despised but merely one that is misunderstood. In fact, Werewolf even gives him the name Ted to humanize him even more. (Though, this is apparently also true to the comics.)

A scene from Marvel Studios’ WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

In this way, at its heart, Werewolf wants to explore what it means to be the monster. Although Jack can transform into a terrifying werewolf, neither does he approve of his own rampages. (In fact, he even takes precautions in order to keep people safe from his monthly hunts.) As such, the monsters within Werewolf are shown to have a soul of kindness while the human race with brutal and violent beasts. In Werewolf, the humans are fueled by xenophobia and fear, attempting to destroy anything that is different from them. (What’s more in doing so, Marvel continues to set the table for the arrival of the X-Men, who are also despised by the human race.) 

Here, the line between man and monster is compassion.

So, even though Werewolf by Night may seem like another cog in the MCU mega-machine—and that’s not incorrect either—its unique style and form keep it fun and fresh. For those looking for Halloween havoc, this tribute to classic horror bares its teeth but still feels like fresh meat.

Werewolf by Night is available on Disney+ on October 7th, 2022.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law – Roaring for Justice

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Not every Hulk is the same. And that’s okay.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law follows Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany), a brilliant and successful defense attorney. When travelling with her cousin, Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), a car accident results in her receiving his Hulk-infused blood, transforming her into the She-Hulk. Determined to resume her life, Walters returns to her old life with her new body and begins to specialize in superhuman-oriented legal cases, while still navigating life as a single, 30-something.

(L-R): Tatiana Maslany as She-Hulk/Jennifer “Jen” Walters and Drew Matthews as Dennis Bukowski in Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

Now in the second year of the Disney+ experiment, we have seen that other Marvel series like Hawkeye, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier or Wandavision have taken themselves with a sense of urgency or seriousness. (Even more comedic entries such as Ms. Marvel or Loki still carried a sense of importance.) But She-Hulk has its own tone and style. Villains are more laughable than fearsome. Playfulness in its lawyer drama akin to famed 90s comedy Ally McBeal gives us a winking eye into the world of the MCU. Appearances from characters such as Ruffalo’s Banner/Hulk combo, Benedict Wong, and Tim Roth help place the series firmly within the Marvel Universe and the goofiness seems to flesh out their characters, in some ways. (And, surprisingly, Ruffalo seems quite comfortable with more comedic material.) 

What is apparent, however, is that She-Hulk wants to create something new for the Marvel universe. Billed as a comedic ‘lawyer show’, the series feels more like a sitcom than any of the other standard MCU fare. Unlike their more tepid style of humour, conversations about Captain America’s virginity, Hulk-sized hangovers give the show an edge that points the needle more firmly in the direction of Deadpool. (In fact, in a move also similar to the Merc with the Mouth, Jessica also frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the audience.) As a result, there’s a silliness about the show that makes it different. 

Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer “Jen” Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

To be fair, ‘different’ is always welcome, especially in the cookie-cutter MCU. 

Whether or not that always works is another story entirely.

Interestingly, one of the more divisive parts of the series may be Maslany herself. While only the first few episodes have been screened to critics, Maslany feels both instantly likeable and out-of-place at the same time. Maybe it’s the show’s tone or writing but her performance initially feels as split as her personality within the series. Without question, Maslany is a remarkable talent and fully willing to engage in sci-fi material. (Just revisit Orphan Black. You’ll thank me later.) When she steps into the role of Walters as lawyer, Maslany lights up the screen with confidence. To Walters, her most powerful weapon is her mind and she is willing to defend the most controversial of characters so that they can have a fair trial. However, when she ‘hulks out’, part of that confidence seems to fade away. Perhaps it’s the CGI or even just her newness to the role but, at times, it feels like something gets lost in the transformation.

(L-R): Mark Ruffalo as Smart Hulk / Bruce Banner and Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer “Jen” Walters/She-Hulk in Marvel Studios’ She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

What is most interesting about the series though is the fact that this She-Hulk is a more fully integrated version of Ruffalo’s Big Green Beast. Unlike Banner, Walters is also stronger, faster and instantly psychologically integrated. Within her, there is no other ‘hand on the wheel’ or battle for control of her mind. Instead, she is at once both She-Hulk and Jessica, able to control herself more easily than her tormented cousin. But, in doing so, thankfully She-Hulk avoids any potential ‘man-splaining’ of her training. (Though not for lack of his trying…) In this way, there’s an empowering spirit to Walters onscreen. She maintains her passion for justice and fights for her clients. She is willing to express her femininity and ferocity equally in positive ways. There’s a self-awareness within this series that allows Walters to embark on her own personal journey, without mimicking the original character. 

Again, there’s genuine potential in this series. Like Walters herself, the series simply hasn’t fully realized it… yet…

The first episode of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is available on Disney+ on Thursday, August 18th, 2022 with new episodes available every Thursday.

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.

Morbius: It’s Morbin’ Time!

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The relationship between Sony and Morbius is… complicated.

As they lean further into their SPUMC (or ‘Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters’), Sony continues to fight for their share of the Marvel box office pie. After the success of the Venom films, one can almost see Sony salivate over the potential of creating their own extended universe of super-characters. Plans to merge characters such as Spider-Woman, Kraven the Huner, Vulture and even the rumoured return of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man into the Venom-verse have driven this (sub)Marvel franchise forward with surprising speed over the last couple of years.

But things hit a speedbump with Morbius. 

Morbius tells the story of Michael Morbius (Jared Leto), a brilliant doctor that has suffered from a rare blood disorder since childhood. Determined to save himself and others who are suffering from the same fate, Morbius allows his DNA to be fused with that of vampire bats in the hopes of creating a cure. However, while his experiment seems to be successful, the effects on him are far worse than he could have imagined. Now with a taste for human blood, Morbius must decide if he can quell his evil urges and become the hero he wants to be.

After a disastrous run in theatres, Morbius didn’t take well with audiences for any number of reasons. Whether it’s Jared Leto’s more serious tone, bad writing or removed Spider-Man teases, the Living Vampire was not seen as a success in taking their plans to the next level. 

But that’s when things took a turn. All of a sudden, the Twitter-verse took over. Memes and TikTok clips celebrating ‘Morbin’ Time’ began to mock the film constantly. Tweets about the hilarious nature of the film seemed to make it trend popularly once again. Unable to recognize the fact that the film’s trending popularity was due to the brutal mocking of internet trolls, Sony even re-released the film in theatres, trying to capitalize on the film’s (sarcastic) buzz. When the film failed again to garner money, they seemed surprised. (Personally, my favourite response from one TikTok’r was ‘We were busy that weekend. Please release it a third time.’)

They may have missed the memo.

But seriously, is Morbius misunderstood? Misguided? Or just plain awful?

In truth, it’s probably a bit of all three. Directed by Daniel Espinoza, Morbius is an ambitious project that continues to develop the more horrifying aspects of Sony’s universe. However, whereas Venom appears to own its silliness (especially in its second film), Morbius leans into the seriousness of its darker tone. Frankly, it doesn’t work. While Leto seems committed to his character, his performance is somewhat joyless in the midst of a ridiculous concept. (At least Tom Hardy appears to be having some fun with his evil symbiote…) While one can’t expect (or even potentially, want) Sony’s superhero universe to mimic Marvel’s blend of action and humour, one would hope that they would understand that their characters lack both the grit of Batman or the silliness of Iron Man. 

They’re something different. And different can be great, if done well.

As with Venom, Morbius has the opportunity to explore what it means to battle our darkest impulses and even potentially use them for good. Is it possible to find redemption after our inner demons have been unleashed? As Morbius wrestles his own desire for human blood, Espinoza could have used the character to take a deep dive into the human experience. It’s ripe with potential. Yet, unfortunately, all that we’re given is a bland photocopy of other films we’ve received over the last decade, without the fun that could’ve been had along the way.

Admittedly, the disc transfer does look good. Morbius features a lot of heavy shadows and backlit areas, yet the film is clear and looks surprisingly sharp onscreen. However, special features are lacking. While Defining the Antihero is a relatively interesting look at the dark side of heroes, few other features are notable. (If anything, this is a project which needs to have a director’s commentary attached, especially one that acknowledges the mixed reaction to the film.)

So, while Morbius may not a ‘good’ film (or even a ‘so-bad-it’s-good’ film), it may make for a night of laughs with friends who are in on the joke.

Because, apparently, Sony is not.

Morbius is available on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD on Tuesday, June 14, 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.

SF Radio 8.24: Bending our Minds Around DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

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Directed by Sam Raimi, DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS opens up the MCU in incredible (and horrifying) ways. When a new threat calls the good Doctor and his new companion, America Chavez, to jump from universe to universe, they enlist the help of Wanda Maximoff in an effort to get things under control. However, they very quickly discover that Maximoff may herself be the very threat they’re attempting to prevent from ripping apart the multiverse. This week, Dina Hamdieh and Miriam Ibrahim return to discuss the ramifications for Universe 616, the evolution of Scarlett Witch and why we care about the multiverse.

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.

8.24-Doctor-Strange-in-the-Multiverse-of-MadnessDownload