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where faith and film are intertwined

MCU

Spider-Man: Far From Home – Starting Over

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The post Endgame era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is here.

After the universe changing events of Avengers: Endgame, Marvel ushers its new era with their next solo star, Spider-Man, on his own is a multi-million dollar marketing machine. Ever since Tom Holland’s first appearance as Spidey/Peter in Captain America: Civil War, he has exemplified what had been missing on screen with the character. He’s all Peter Parker and all Spider-Man at once. This film is no different.

Spider-Man: Far From Home brings together both the witty humor of Marvel and Spidey. The film’s action and visuals are stunning and provide ‘edge of your seat’ fun. The adventure and, for the most part, the story is good. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a superb performance as Mysterio and gives us a great example of being aware of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. (I mean, it is Mysterio after all.) As Matthew 7:15 reads, we need to beware because things aren’t always what they appear. In the Marvel world, with all that has gone on, it is easy to let one’s guard down, especially when you have a burden that is too hard to carry. Still, if you do fall for someone’s lies, we must have the strength to get up and trust that He who put you there believes in you and knows it is not more than you can handle.

Spider-Man in Columbia Pictures’ SPIDER-MAN: ™ FAR FROM HOME

Overall, the film offers exactly what you’d expect from Marvel–and therein lies the problem. As the first film beyond Endgame, one would expect some emotional carry over, especially considering the relationship they’d established between Tony and Peter. However, the film was a bit too much about Tony and not enough of just Peter. And as good as Gyllenhaal was, what motivates his character is the same trope as the first Spidey film and all three Iron Man films basically. By giving the same cookie cutter villain after they nailed it with Killmonger and Thanos leaves one feeling unfulfilled in a film that could (and should) be great and memorable. In a sense, this was the film to be free of the “Stark Crutch” and it partly felt it was more about Stark than Peter.

Spider-Man: Far from Home is a fun and action packed adventure and, if you love Marvel films, you’ll love it. 

Captain Marvel: Nothing to Prove

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There’s a lot to be said about longevity. Over the last ten years, Marvel Studios has released twenty-three films. Halfway through, many talked about superhero fatigue and yet, they’re still a seventeen-billion-dollar juggernaut that has fans coming out in numbers for the next wave.

As we drew closer to the much anticipated Avengers: Endgame, Marvel sent us back in time to the nineties for Marvel’s next origin film, Captain Marvel. After Infinity War, one of the biggest questions was, if Fury knew her beforehand, where was she? That question is definitely answered in this film (among others, like Fury’s lost eye). However, the film came with some early (and unwarranted) controversy. We now live in a world where taking to the interwebs and bashing a film one has not seen because of ‘made up’ reasons is okay.

Now, what about the movie itself?

First and foremost, thank you Marvel for that wonderful opening tribute. And THANK YOU STAN LEE!

As a film, Captain Marvel doesn’t land in the top five of Marvel films. It’s an above-average origin film that has funny moments and some good action scenes. Some of the CGI could have been better, but overall it is definitely a good film to watch. There are some tender and heartbreaking moments as well. Like all other origin films, Captain Marvel contains a message where the hero must find themselves and choose which path to take. This one stands out in that story because her path to get there was different. The twist is both expected and surprising at the same time. Though not perfect in terms of film making, this is easily the second most influential film Marvel has released.

The film isn’t the “social justice warrior” hogwash that “those people” will have you believe. It is, however, a film that inspires and empowers women, and rightfully so. It’s no coincidence that Marvel/Disney decided to release it on International Women’s Day. As a male, I cannot begin to fathom this era in films. But as a father to an eight-year-old young girl, I am thankful that, for her, there aren’t just princesses that need a prince or damsels in distress. My daughter now has princesses that are strong and courageous. She has leaders, Jedi, rebels and warriors in a galaxy far, far away. She has  Wonder Woman. She was warriors and tech genius in Wakanda that look like her. And she now has a Captain.

All these heroes have something in common and is what stands out in Captain Marvel. They have nothing to prove. They are strong and don’t need affirmation from men to prove it. They remind me of Queen Esther, as they are here ‘for such a time as this’. Forget the “rules” of the past. Kick open the door and present yourselves as worthy because your people, the next generation, needs you. This doesn’t mean that men are not wanted or that we are inferior. But as men we need to support and empower the women around us. The world is a better place with both strong men and women. When we value others by their own merits and not the standards that we place based on ours, we as a society can overcome.

Captain Marvel is a fun film that serves a deeper purpose than just film. Men, see it and enjoy. Appreciate that it isn’t for us, and that’s ok.

Again, THANK YOU STAN LEE….this film embodied your spirit.

Special features on the Blu-ray/Digital combo pack include commentary on the film, six deleted scenes, and a gag reel. But fans of the film will enjoy the special features about the heroine and heroes, “Becoming a Super Hero,” “Big Hero Moment,” and “The Origin of Nick Fury,” as well as a few bonuses, “The Skrulls and the Kree” and “Hiss-sterical Cat-titude.”

GIVEAWAY: AVENGERS – INFINITY WAR!

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The War has begun…

In Avengers: Infinity War, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet — the evil Thanos. On a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones, Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality. The fate of the planet and existence itself has never been more uncertain as everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment.

The winner will receive a copy of the Avengers: Infinity War 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Combo Steelbook Edition.

To enter, simply like or share our post on Facebook and answer the following question in the comment section: Which Infinity Stone (Time, Space, Soul, Power, Mind or Reality) would you use first and how?

For a bonus entry, like or share the post on Twitter and Instagram.

All entries must be completed by 11:59pm on Monday, August 13th, 2018.

 

Avengers: Infinity War will be unleashed on Blu-Ray on Tuesday, August 14th, 2018

4.17 Mercy, Madness and Everything Else in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

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As one of the biggest films in box office history, Avengers: Infinity War has definitely left its mark on pop culture but the real story of the film is its surprisingly engaging villain. In Thanos, Marvel has created one of its most compelling characters, maintaining intelligence with equal levels of insanity. As his power grows, so too does his brutality as creates disasters of Biblical proportions with a snap of his fingers. But, is there a method to the Mad Titan? Does he really believe himself to be God-like in power or is his legacy more noble than we realize? This week, Greg Banik stops by to speak with Steve about mercy, madness and everything in between.

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.

4.17 Avengers Infinity War

Thanks Greg for joining us!

GIVEAWAY: Infinity War Lego Set!

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Now, you can assemble the Avengers yourself!

In Avengers: Infinity War, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the team unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet — the evil Thanos. On a mission to collect all six Infinity Stones, Thanos plans to use the artifacts to inflict his twisted will on reality. The fate of the planet and existence itself has never been more uncertain as everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment.

In honour of the biggest action epic of all time, we’re giving away the brand new official Lego set, “Thor’s Weapon Quest”, featuring Thor, Rocket and Groot!

(Incidentally, click the links to check out our interviews with actors Sean Gunn (who plays Rocket) and Terry Notary (who plays Groot.)

To enter, simply like or share this post on Facebook and tell us in the comments section which Avenger you think is the most like you and why?

For a bonus entry, like or retweet this post on Twitter or Instagram.

All entries must be completed by 11:59pm on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018.

 

Avengers: Infinity War will be unleashed in theatres on April 27th, 2018

4.12 The Power of the BLACK PANTHER

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As Marvel unleashed BLACK PANTHER, even they could not have foreseen the incredible impact that the film has had on both the box office and the culture at large! With its lush visuals and healthy portrayal of African-Americans, PANTHER has sparked positive conversations about race and depictions of culture on the big screen. This week, Steve welcomes back Chris Utley and Arnaldo Reyes to talk about the film’s impact and the power telling one’s own story.

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.

4.12 Black Panther

Thanks Chris and Arnaldo for joining us!

For those of you in Canada who are interested, you can donate to ScreenFish by clicking the link below and simply selecting ‘ScreenFish’ from the ‘Apply Your Donation…’ area. 

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/connect-city/

Black Panther: I STAY WOKE!

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SPOILERS FROM THE FILM WILL BE DISCUSSED AND DISSECTED.  DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU HAVE SEEN THE FILM

My former Grambling State University Theatre Department classmate turned prolific R&B artist Erykah Badu has a song on one of her albums called “Master Teacher.”  The hook goes, “What if there were no N*****s, only Master Teachers?  I STAY WOKE.”   If you substitute the phrase Master Teachers for the word WAKANDANS, then you’ll get the vibe of where I’m going in light of this cinematic event that has been given to us this Presidents Day Weekend 2018.

I will leave the MCU fanboying to the experts here at THE FISH to ponder BLACK PANTHER’s place in the pantheon of Marvel films, analyze its connection towards the road leading to Avengers: Infinity War, etc.  I’ve got bigger fish to fry.  As does this movie.

Instead, I will build off of my thesis statement from my classmate – paraphrased and reappropriated for this movie.  Of course I know that Wakanda is not an actual place.  It’s birthed from the imagination of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.  But, in my own mind, I see Wakanda as what might have been for my ancestors and I.  What would my motherland of Africa and my kinsmen be if the natural minerals and resources had not been fleeced and its people oppressed by apartheid and their ancestral offspring not led away in slaveships to the Carribean, South and North America to endure 400 years of violent, dignity robbing, identity snatching hardship by real life “colonizers?”  I look at those 5 tribes which form the fictional Wakanda and I see the true essence and spirit of who God has graced the African man and woman to be – regardless of whether the designation American appears afterwards.

I see honor and dignity. I see fierce devotion to ideals.  I see great technological and scientific advances.

I see PRIDE.

I desperately wanted my 12-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter to see and feel the same thing as I did when I watched the movie.  Their response was definitely more muted than mine.  I get it.  Because in our home – with God’s help – we have continually taught them to see honor and dignity in themselves; to have a fierce devotion to the biggest ideal of all: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD; and that technology, science, and all areas of greatness are available to them via education.

As I thank God for my kids, I also have to think about the other kids out there; the real life Erik Killmongers of the world.  The ones whose hearts have grown numb to the images of Strange Fruits in trees hung, maimed and slaughtered by more evil “colonizers.”  The ones who have attempted to take the derogatory ‘N-word’ label and soften it up by slicing 2 letters and adding an A on the end.  The ones who wish to continue the work of the real life Black Panthers.  I don’t think director Ryan Coogler set this film in Oakland by accident…especially when you consider that:

  1. The Panthers were born in Oakland
  2. Erik Killmonger’s plan of action – inherited to him by his father Wakandan Prince N’Jobu – is straight out of their playbook.

Call the real life Black Panthers a hate group if you want.  You’re missing the point.  These were a group of men and women who got tired of seeing the unjust oppression of their kinsmen by the ruling class and were ready to defend them even if it meant overthrowing the current systems of power.  Disagree with them and Killmonger all you wish. But before you judge, look at their point of view in the light of those dead Black men and women of the past…and present.

Killmonger, rightful heir to the Wakandan throne, wants to take the resources from his homeland and equip warlords across the world to free his kinsmen.  But T’Challa – our hero – knows there is a better way.  A way, as spoken in Post Credits Sequence #1, that does not involve creating division and using his homeland’s resource to foster oppression. T’Challa wants to use his kingdom to be a LIGHT to the world.  There was a time when Wakanda hid itself in fear of what MIGHT happen should their greatness got into the wrong hands.  But T’Challa recognizes that it’s time to come out of the darkness and into the light.

But that light only shines when we, as humanity, come TOGETHER.

That’s the one area in the real world where all of mankind needs to stay woke.  It’s not about White Supremacy or Black Pride reigning on the throne of society.  There is only one Throne and only one Kingdom in which every knee will bow to. And that King will be glorified when He sees all of His creation – all races, creeds and colors – united together to shine His light on our broken world.

Black Panther gets 2 fists up from me! ✊🏿✊🏿 May its record breaking success cause studio execs to GET WOKE about the abilities of Black filmmakers handling big budget blockbuster material.  I’ll say it loud!  BLACK PANTHER MADE ME PROUD!

 

 

 

Black Panther Giveaway!

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As the world prepares for the unleashing of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, ScreenFish wants to help you to get ready!

After the death of his father, T’Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king — and as Black Panther — gets tested when he’s drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

                       

The winner will receive a copy of the Black Panther soundtrack, a T’Challa pop figure, and a Black Panther poster.

To enter, simply like or share our post on Facebook and answer the following question in the comment section: Name another film in which director Ryan Coogler has worked with actor Michael B. Jordan.

For a bonus entry, like or share the post on Twitter.

All entries must be completed by 11:59pm on Thursday, February 15th, 2018.

 

Black Panther will be unleashed in theatres on February 16th, 2018

3.25 Coming Home to SPIDER-MAN HOMECOMING

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This week, Steve teams up with Peter Percival (YouTube’s Bearded Movie Guy) and Jeff Baker (Geek Orthodox podcast) to talk about SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING!  Peter Parker has swung back into theatres (and the Marvel Cinematic Universe) with his 6th film in the last 15 years.  Have his web-fluid gotten stale?  Or should our spider-sense be tingling to get to the theatre?  In a fun conversation, the guys get to talk about coming-of-age, the importance of the ‘small’ and their favourite ‘Spider-Moments’.

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.

3.25 Spiderman Homecoming

A special thanks to Peter and Jeff for coming on the show!

 

Spider-Man theme song composed by winner Paul Francis Webster and Robert “Bob” Harris.  Copyright 1967

Spider-Man -Homecoming: Webswinging Fun

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With great homework comes great responsibility.

Spider-Man: Homecoming brings us back to Peter ‘s high school years (he’s fifteen) as he tries to balance his family, friends, homework, and an ongoing application to join the Avengers.  Publicly claiming to be a member of the ‘Stark Internship’, young Peter is secretly being mentored by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in the ways of being a ‘friendly neighborhood’ superhero.  However, when Peter stumbles across a plot to sell pieces of alien technology to local criminals, he is drawn into a battle that forces him to ask hard questions about his identity and calling.

Although he made his debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in last year’s Civil War, Homecoming is Spidey’s true introduction to the world of the Avengers.  In a move that many felt would never happen due to Sony’s ownership of the film rights, allowing Spidey to join the MCU was easily the smartest decision that the company could have made.  By joining forces with Marvel, Sony frees itself of rebooting their franchise for the second time while also allowing access to iconic characters such as Iron Man and Captain America to make appearances.

Through its heavy emphasis on Spidey’s high school adventures and Holland’s contagious enthusiasm, Homecoming manages to pull off the one thing that seemed impossible for this franchise: it feels fresh.  Similar to his experience on the original Iron Man, Downey Jr. has compared the environment behind the scenes as one of freedom and creativity and the results appear onscreen.  This film has all the pop and flash of other Marvel entries yet also carries with it the teen angst of a John Hughes ‘coming-of-age’ film.  (In fact, there is even a brief reference to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.)  In other words, despite the Avengers, alien technology and a villainous Vulture (an energized Michael Keaton), it’s the realities of Spidey’s youth and inexperience that are front and center here.

As the film opens, Peter is filled with excitement and the mammoth aspirations of becoming an Avenger.  With superhero glory in full view, Peter has begun to lose sight of his everyday life and responsibilities. (“I am so far beyond high school right now,” Peter argues.)  Desperate to prove that he’s more than ‘just a kid’, Peter feels boxed in by Stark’s ‘training wheels protocols’ and tries to force his way up the superhero ladder.  (“I hate that Mr. Stark keep treating me like a kid!” he exclaims.)

But Peter’s immaturity prevents him from recognizing the value of the ‘small’.

In a world of Galaxy Guardians and Incredible Hulks, Homecoming is a reminder of the importance of those things and people that so many believe to be unremarkable.  Though Peter may be able to hold a ship together, he also must do his homework.  Though he wants desperately to be fight alongside Iron Man, he also needs to stop a local bicycle thief.  Though Vulture is stealing alien technology, so much of his motivation lies in simply getting by financially.  Gone are traditional MCU tropes like world domination and government conspiracies in favor of dinners with Aunt May and struggling to pay the bills.

In a story that echoes Jesus’ call to let the little children come to Him, Homecoming reminds us that everyone’s story matters, regardless how small.  The responsibility to care for the most seemingly insignificant people of the world carries the same importance as saving the entire planet.  (In fact, one of the film’s most subtle but significant moments comes through Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), Stark’s driver, as he confesses to Peter that, “I really don’t know what I would do without this job [working for Tony].”  Despite the fact that we’ve known him to do amazing things with his superhero billionaire, he too is simply a man who needs help.)  Moreover, as Peter realizes the value of the ‘small’, he is solidified as a true hero, not just to the world but to everyone.

Because there is power in being the ‘friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man.’