In the first episode of the Mock Films Podcast I give my fresh out of the theater reaction to Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. This could get ugly.
Since a deal was brokered between Marvel and Sony to allow the coveted character of Spider-Man to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) franchise, fans breathed a sigh of relief. Being saved from yet another origin story of the famous wall crawler, elated audiences have been long awaiting the day that they could see him play in the same sand box as his comic cohorts. That day has arrived.
Not the first trailer to drop for Captain America: Civil War, but this was certainly one of the most anticipated. Playing out like the typical summer blockbuster preview, the viewer is recapped with footage of past disasters which had taken place in previous Marvel films. Quiet in tone, jarringly vivid imagery intercuts with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Steve Rodgers' (Chris Evans) banter amping up the tension. What follows of a who’s who of Marvel alum showcasing what they do best.
Goodnight Mommy is a German/Austrian thriller revolving around precocious twin boys Lukas and Elias who live with their Mutter (Mother in German. You learned something new today.), a television hostess who has just returned to their isolated country home after getting plastic surgery. With her face wrapped in bandages and her demeanor a bit out of sorts, the boy begin to questing whether the woman in their home is actually their mother.
Already an innovative concept, Goodnight Mommy takes it’s time with with the story, allowing for questions and character plots to linger and build. Being known for spoiling a few plots through spotting early clues, I had an inkling of where this was headed. But even with my gut instincts at play, other theories were conjured as the film crescendos on. I won’t tell you if I was right or wrong, but I will say I was completely satisfied with the panic inducing finale.
For those not in the know (and you should by now. Shame on you.), Deadpool is one of the more, dare I say, potty-mouthed lunatics of the Marvel Universe. Know as the "Merc with a mouth,” the story revolves around one Wade Wilson, an ex-special forces agent who was discharged and now makes a living as a gun for hire. After meeting the love of his life, he also finds out that he has late stage terminal cancer. Soon he undergoes an experimental treatment which turns him into an unkillable mutant with a face that looks like Ryan Reynolds f#$%ed a shar pei (a description actually from the comics). Unable to allow the love of his life to see the monster he has become, he does what he does best, kills everyone who can lead him to the man responsible and get his life back to normal (so to speak).
Designed to be an almost spoof of past Marvel comics, Deadpool is placed firmly in the X-Men universe (cameos!). Breaking through more fourth walls than the Kool-Aide Man, this blood-soaked comedy is heavy in the meta department, never taking itself or the situations seriously. Constantly making sure the audience is on the same page, Deadpool refers to the viewers at every turn. Self aware as all get out, but somehow managing to fabricate some of the most innovative action scenes put to film. This is pure fun for the comic book fan in all of us (put that on a poster).
Things seem to be going well for the two until they run-a-foul of Zeus (Micheal Ironside doing what he does best), the leader of a ruthless gang of evil-doers who take joy in processing their victims into drinkable water. Taken by surprise, Apple is kidnapped as Kid is forced to seek refuge in an old aircraft which holds the remains of the actual Turbo Man, the real-life hero of his comics. Dawning his idol’s uniform, as well as his Power Glove Laser Cannon (which turns its victims into a raining mist of goop), Kid goes on to face Zues’ gang and rescue his friend. With the help of a fellow captive, an arm wrestling cowboy named Frederic, the three escape the clutches of Zeus’ gang only to have to face them in a final blood-soaked showdown.
Trying not to be too spoiler heavy, I’ve decided to stop there. The story is the typical heroes’ journey, so I’m not telling you anything new here. Instead, let’s get into the meat and potatoes of this interesting little flick. Presented almost as a kid’s adventure one might see in 80’s Hollywood fair, Turbo Kid takes a few of the more beloved tropes and puts a gory tongue-in-cheek spin on them. Not pulling any punches, this movie isn’t shy about getting bloody with a plethora of practical and digital effects. Don’t be mistaken, this is a nostalgic kid’s flick for the adults. A spoof in many respects, but without being completely overt about it.
The leads are wonderful, playing off one another with sharp comedic timing and cute banter helping to balancing some of the rough violence which, at times, feels forced and out of place in the often times sweetly sappy narrative. Although, the irony of the differing tones eventually works fin the end. Chambers is great at the titular lead, bringing an every-man levity to the picture. Apple, the tightest written character in the film, is a breath of fresh air whenever on screen. Leboeuf brings a charm and innocents to her which pays off in every scene she graces. Ironside, what more can you say about the man, he plays bad so damn good. Never phoning it in, he seems to be having fun as the role of the heavy.
