Category: Action

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Since debuting in 1962, James Bond has remained one of the most iconic and popular characters in cinematic history. The character has been brought to life by Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan. Following Brosnan’s departure after Die Another Day, relative newcomer Daniel Craig was announced as his replacement in 2005. Daniel Craig’s debut in 2006’s Casino Royale was a massive critical and commercial success despite some initial controversy. Over the next few years, Craig continued rising to superstardom thanks to the follow-ups Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre. After the release of Spectre, rumors were floating around that Craig would not be returning to play Bond anymore. Thankfully, that changed when Craig confirmed he’d be returning for an installment scheduled for a 2020 release. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Craig’s final outing as Bond, No Time to Die, wouldn’t be released until October 2021.

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Synopsis

After the events of Spectre, James Bond (Daniel Craig) is living in retirement with his love Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux). Unfortunately, some Spectre assassins try to kill Bond and Swann, and while they escape, Bond suspects Swann betrayed him. Years later, Bond lives in Jamaica when his CIA contact Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) offers him a job. He asks Bond to help him rescue Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik), a scientist who a mysterious group kidnaped. Bond is initially disinterested until he learns that Obruchev was working on a secret MI6 bioweapon called “Project Heracles.” Bond manages to capture Obruchev thanks to Agent Paloma (Ana de Armas), only for Obruchev to slip his grasp. It turns out the mysterious group’s leader is Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), who plans on using the bioweapon for revenge. Now teaming up with his old flame Madeleine, Bond must save the world one last time.

Review

Daniel Craig has established himself as the James Bond of a new generation, whether you love him or hate him. He’s been able to give this long-established character so much humanity and vulnerability that it’s made him more identifiable. Of course, he still has the quips and the charm we’ve come to expect, but it feels more natural. Craig gives it 110% and delivers another excellent performance, with No Time to Die being his swan song. Rami Malek does an excellent job as the Bond villain, even though he’s not given much material. He lacks the intensity and nuance of Mads Mikkelsen from Casino Royale and Javier Bardem from Skyfall. Christoph Waltz returns to play Blofeld from Spectre, and his scene is excellent, but his screen time is limited. Also, Ana de Armas has a very memorable action scene, but she disappears soon after.

Admittedly, David Dencik started to drag the movie down as the comic relief, basically playing the Yakov Smirnoff role. While he’s only in the film sporadically, he’ll ruin otherwise heavy scenes with a dumb one-liner. There’s been some talk about Lashana Lynch playing the new 007, but thankfully, it doesn’t feel like she’s replacing Craig. Instead, it feels more like they’re working together, even if they compete with one another early on. As is tradition with Bond movies, the action sequences are impressive, from the opening chase to a jungle assault. The filmmakers also incorporate some one-take shots that amp up the tension and make it more thrilling. The film’s nearly three-hour runtime might put viewers off, but thankfully, there’s never a dull moment in this action-packed spectacular. Overall, No Time to Die might not be the best Bond movie, but it’s a fitting end to Craig’s run.

See No Time to Die in theaters now: https://fandan.co/3iIc9ZD.

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On a budget of $100 million, Venom grossed over $200 million domestically and over $850 million worldwide. Though financially successful, the movie mostly received mixed to negative reviews, with many criticizing its inconsistent tone and poor narrative. Despite this, Sony had a bonafide hit on their hands, and pre-production on a sequel started in 2019. Unfortunately, Ruben Fleischer couldn’t direct the sequel since he was busy working on Zombieland: Double Tap. While considering Travis Knight, Rupert Wyatt, and Rupert Sanders, Sony hired Andy Serkis due to his experience with motion-capture technology. Most of the original cast returned, with Tom Hardy co-producing and co-writing the story with writer Kelly Marcel. Principal photography wrapped in early 2020, but the film saw numerous delays due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Following the success of Shang-Chi, the studio decided to release Venom: Let There Be Carnage in October 2021.

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Synopsis

The police have contacted Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) to interview notorious serial killer Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson). For whatever reason, Kasady chooses to only speak with Brock, much to the chagrin of officer Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham). However, during one visit, the alien parasite living within Eddie, Venom, attacks Kasady, but Kasady accidentally ingests some of Venom. At his execution, the parasite within Kasady transforms him into the red symbiote Carnage, and he escapes from prison. Now free, Casady frees his lover Frances Barrison (Naomie Harris), held captive due to her mighty sonic shriek. Meanwhile, Venom has chosen to leave Eddie due to feeling confined to listening to what Eddie told him to do. Also, due to his connection with Kasady, Mulligan believes Eddie might’ve assisted in his escape. Soon, Anne Weying (Michelle Williams), Eddie’s ex, gets involved, so he and Venom must settle their differences and stop Carnage.

Review

While Venom: Let There Be Carnage is an improvement over the original, it has some of the same issues. For one, the filmmakers use the same quick-cut editing to ensure the film gets a PG-13 rating. It’s somewhat frustrating how the comics are far more violent and R-rated than either of the movies. Also, while the Eddie and Venom bickering scenes were fun in the first, they’re drawn out here. It sometimes gets to the point where the movie will go for long stretches without an action sequence. As much as Michelle Williams was just there in the original, she had some stake in the plot. Yet here, she’s just thrown in so that Eddie and Venom have the motivation to get back together. That said, this still improves over many of the original’s flaws, making this the superior film by comparison.

Whereas the original took itself way too seriously, this one embraces its silliness and swings for the fences. Like the first one, Tom Hardy gives an outstanding performance, and his back-and-forths with Venom are entertaining at times. Woody Harrelson makes for a much better villain than the previous film, though Harrelson always delivers in every role. He and Naomie Harris have solid chemistry with each other, and they both embrace the craziness of their characters. Even Michelle Williams seems to be having more fun here, even if she’s just there for convenience sake. Another way this improves over the original is the climax, where Venom and Carnage go one-on-one in a church. At barely over 90 minutes, the film gets in and out, and you’ll leave the theater primarily satisfied. Overall, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a flawed but vastly superior film to its predecessor for what it’s worth.

Buy Venom: Let There Be Carnage from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oMMHlR.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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Where to watch Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

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In late 1972, Marvel Comics tried acquiring the rights to the TV series Kung Fu for a comic book adaptation. Unfortunately, they couldn’t get the rights since Warner Communications owned the show, so they created the kung-fu master Shang-Chi. The character made his debut in Special Marvel Edition #15 in 1973 by writer Steve Englehart and artist Jim Starlin. Stephen Norrington, fresh off the success of Blade, was signed on to direct a live-action adaptation in 2001. Unfortunately, those plans fell through until Avi Arad announced that the newly formed Marvel Studios would be developing the property. In 2019, Marvel hired Destin Daniel Cretton to direct since the studio wanted to explore Asian themes and cultures. Shooting commenced in February 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and finally wrapped in October. After some delays, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings hit theaters in September 2021.

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Synopsis

Xu “Shaun” Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) works as a hotel valet driver with his childhood friend Katy (Awkwafina). He leads a relatively everyday life, but things change when he and Katy are attacked on their bus to work. A gang called The Ten Rings attacks them and ends up stealing a jade pendant Shaun wears. Shaun tries to recruit his sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang) to help, which she does despite her resentment towards him. Unfortunately, they’re captured and brought to Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung), who insists their mother, Ying Li (Fala Chen), is alive. It turns out Xu Wenwu is their father and the leader of The Ten Rings, named after his ancient weapons. He believes that their mother is being held captive in the old village of Ta Lo behind a large gate. However, upon arrival, our heroes learn that something more sinister lies in wait behind the gate.

Review

Going into Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, I knew nothing of the property nor what to expect. That might be the optimal way to go into this, as I was pleasantly surprised at how good this was. While this film reuses some story tropes from other MCU movies, it adds plenty of twists to stand apart. For one, our hero has a dark past they’ve tried running away from, only to have to go back. Admittedly, Iron Man used a similar trope, but Tony was more oblivious of what happened than trying to escape it. Also, without going into spoilers, Xu Wenwu isn’t necessarily evil but more so misguided in his intentions. Like many other MCU movies, the climax involves a giant battle with otherworldly creatures, but that’s par for the course. Thankfully, you’re so invested by then that it doesn’t affect the overall quality.

Simu Liu makes a likable lead for a relatively unknown actor, riding that balance between humorous and serious. Given Liu’s background as a stuntman, it’s no surprise that his fight scenes are excellently choreographed and well-staged. Much like in Crazy Rich Asians, Awkwafina is the comic relief, but thankfully she knows when to play it straight. She and Liu have great chemistry together, and it’s refreshing that she isn’t thrown in as some generic love interest. Meng’er Zhang is excellent in her debut role as the younger sister trying to prove herself as a skilled warrior. Tony Leung is both intense yet oddly tragic as the former warlord who’ll go to any extreme for his beloved. The film goes by relatively quickly at just slightly over two hours despite some exposition-heavy scenes dragging it behind. Overall, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings breathes new life into the MCU.

Buy tickets to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in theaters: https://fandan.co/2WxHAy6.

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Upon its release back in 2016, Suicide Squad received generally mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences. Regardless, the film grossed nearly $750 million versus a $175 million budget and was the 10th highest-grossing film of 2016. Warner Bros. wanted to fast-track a sequel with David Ayer set to return to direct given its financial success. However, Ayer left to work on a Gotham City Sirens spin-off, so the studio searched for a new director. Mel Gibson, Jaume Collet-Serra, and Gavin O’Connor were set to direct but left for one reason or another. Around this time, Marvel/Disney had fired James Gunn following some old tweets uncovered by conservative trolls. Seizing the opportunity, Warner Bros. hired Gunn initially for a Superman movie, but he chose a Suicide Squad movie instead. They agreed, and The Suicide Squad hit both theaters and HBO Max in August 2021.

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Synopsis

Intelligence officer Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) assembles a new team to infiltrate the South American nation of Corto Maltese. There’s Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Polka-Dot Man (David Dastmalchian), and Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior). Accompanied by returning members Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), the team must destroy something extraterrestrial. Their mission is to kidnap The Thinker (Peter Capaldi), a scientist working on “Project Starfish,” which involves the extraterrestrial creature. Unfortunately, the mission goes south when most team members get killed, and Flag and Harley get kidnapped. Thankfully, Flag hooked up with some freedom fighters looking to take down the corrupt government and agree to help him. While heroes make their way to Jötunheim, where the government keeps the creature stored, they get more than expected. Will they save the world, and who in this suicide squad will survive?

Review

Unlike the 2016 film, which had potential but was a massive letdown, this one rights all the wrongs. It makes sense James Gunn directed this, given they were trying to emulate Guardians of the Galaxy in the original. Like he did with that film, he manages to take several D-list characters and make them fully three-dimensional. Who would’ve thought a character called “Polkadot Man” would be as memorable as he was? On that note, the entire cast does a phenomenal job, each one getting their moment to shine. Idris Elba is a solid replacement for Will Smith, and his back-and-forths with John Cena are hilarious. Daniela Melchior is surprisingly sweet as Ratcatcher 2 and has some cute moments with the loveable King Shark. Also, this is probably the best Margot Robbie has ever done as Harley Quinn, showing real humanity in her performance. Even Joel Kinnaman is better in this!

Like before, Viola Davis continues to be the best part of the movie, giving a solid and commanding performance. Even the way the film handles its cannon fodder is better than the original, but that’s getting into spoilers. The action is stylish and frenetic, and the editing feels fluid and dynamic rather than the choppy mess from before. If I had any complaints about the film, I’d say the biggest is its villain, The Thinker. Granted, Peter Capaldi does a good job, but he’s not given much to do or is all that interesting. He’s not quite as bland as Ronan the Accuser, but it’s still a blemish on an otherwise fantastic movie. The film goes by quickly at just over two hours but slows down just enough to flesh out the characters. Overall, The Suicide Squad is a massive improvement over its predecessor and works as its own thing.

Buy The Suicide Squad from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tbjRkV.

FTC Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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Where to watch The Suicide Squad (2021)

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Natasha Romanova, aka Black Widow, first appeared in Marvel Comics’ Tales of Suspense #52 in 1964. Stan Lee, Don Rico, and Don Heck were the brainchild, and she was initially an Iron Man villain before becoming an Avenger. In 2004, Lionsgate announced plans for a live-action movie written and directed by David Hayter, but the project fell through. Marvel Studios reacquired the rights in 2006, and the character made her big-screen debut in 2010’s Iron Man 2. Played by Scarlett Johansson, the character has become one of the most popular Marvel Cinematic Universe. Around 2017, work on a Black Widow solo film had started, with Cate Shortland attached to direct. The film had an initial May 2020 release planned but saw delays due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. After several delays, Black Widow finally hit theaters and Disney+ in July of 2021.

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Synopsis

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, Natasha “Black Widow” Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) is on the run. While trying to stay in hiding, she’s attacked by a mysterious assassin called Taskmaster, though she manages to escape. Wanting to learn more about her assailant, Natasha goes to Budapest and reunites with her sister Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh). It turns out that Dreykov (Ray Winstone), the man who kidnapped them and turned them into trained killers, sent Taskmaster. These killers are known as “Black Widows,” One found a way to reverse the chemical mind control used. Dreykov operates out of the “Red Room,” so Natasha and Yelena find their surrogate parents for help. Said parents are former Russian operative Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) and elder Black Widow Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz). It’s up to our heroes to save the victims of Dreykov’s influence.

Review

Ever since her debut back in 2010, audiences had been clamoring for a Black Widow solo film. While it’s great that we finally got it, especially after the pandemic, it might’ve been a little too late. There’s no real sense that Natasha is in any real danger considering the events of the later films. It would’ve felt more timely and appropriate had this film come out in maybe late 2016/early 2017. That said, this is still a reasonably entertaining spy thriller with some pretty impressive action sequences. Scarlett Johansson still delivers a solid performance in the title role if this is her swan song. Florence Pugh is a welcome addition as her more sarcastic, wise-cracking personality compliments Johansson’s more stoic and severe delivery. David Harbour practically steals the show as the larger-than-life Red Guardian, and he has good chemistry with Rachel Weisz.

Even though his screen-time is limited, Ray Winstone is effectively creepy, even if playing the stereotypical evil businessman. Unfortunately, Taskmaster doesn’t get that much to do aside from fighting people for all the build-up. We’re told backstory on the character, but they have no lines, and we don’t get any personality. The MCU is known for its humor, and while there are some funny moments, it often clashes with the tone. There’ll usually be a theatrical, serious scene that reels you in only for a joke to be shoehorned in. Admittedly, there are some heartfelt moments with some humor injected in, but it’s more inconsistent than balanced. This film will provide a decently entertaining experience at slightly over two hours, but I don’t see this leaving an impact. Overall, Black Widow is a reasonably entertaining spy thriller, but it could’ve been much better.

Black Widow is currently playing in theaters and on Disney+. Click the link for more: https://bit.ly/36quTpS.

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Much like Martin Scorsese with Robert De Niro, filmmaker Guy Ritchie was known for frequently working with actor Jason Statham. The two worked together on Long, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and Revolver only to go their separate ways. Statham went onto star in The Expendables franchise while Ritchie directed the two Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey Jr. Following the live-action Aladdin and The Gentlemen, it was announced that Ritchie would be remaking the French film Cash Truck. Released in 2004, the film was about a money transport company suffering from numerous robberies where their guards are killed. Ritchie’s remake was supposed to be released in January of 2021 but was pushed back due to COVID-19. It was released in numerous foreign territories in April, but the US wouldn’t see a release until May. Ritchie’s remake of the 2004 film would be retitled Wrath of Man.

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Synopsis

Patrick Hill (Jason Statham) gets a job with Fortico Security, an armored truck company, as a truck driver. During a training run, Hill manages to rescue his superior Bullet (Holt McCallany) from some thugs by killing them. Though he’s commended for his actions, many of the other employees, particularly Boy Sweat Dave (Josh Hartnett), are suspicious. Turns out Hill is actually Heargraves, a crime boss whose son Dougie (Eli Brown) was killed during a truck heist. Said heist was orchestrated by former soldiers led by Jackson (Jeffrey Donovan), and Dougie’s killer was associate Jan (Scott Eastwood). Jackson and his group are now planning a major heist at Fortico Security during Black Friday for approximately $150 million. Soon, Heargraves/Hill learns that one of the truck drivers is an informant for Jackson’s group and who killed Dougie. It all culminates in a major shootout with Fortico Security as the battleground.

Review

Wrath of Man is a much darker and more serious film than what you’d normally expect from a Statham flick. While Guy Ritchie is known for making crime films, most of them have a somewhat lighthearted tone to them. Here, they try to mix in some of those quips and quick-witted dialogue with a much darker tone and story. The Gentlemen felt more in line with old-school Guy Ritchie, while this feels like a bitter and cynical Guy Ritchie. However, like many of Ritchie’s other films, this is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping backward and forward in time. This style of storytelling makes it a unique experience having to fit everything together, but it can get somewhat confusing. Even at roughly two hours, the non-linear storytelling can make the film feel longer than it actually is. Granted, it’s still paced well and is an enjoyable watch.

Like many films where he’s the lead, Jason Statham delivers the same cool and commanding performance we’ve come to expect. Admittedly, he does come off somewhat stoic and emotionless, but then again, Statham isn’t known for playing richly complex characters. Jeffrey Donovan, though not as commanding as Statham, is still great as the leader struggling to keep his team together. Given how we spend more time with Donovan than with Statham, some might become more attached to Donovan. Then again, both aren’t exactly good people, so it’s difficult to really side with either, but that’s probably the point. In terms of action, this film delivers it in spades, though there’s a good chunk where not much action occurs. That being said, the slower scenes are still enjoyable to watch thanks to the solid acting and captivating story. Overall, Wrath of Man is a dark and intense action-thriller worth watching.

Buy Wrath of Man from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4tsHUsl.

Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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Where to watch Wrath of Man (2021)

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