Joker Review: The Comics Film Genre Has Been Redefined (Again)

As the superhero film genre has evolved, so to have the expectations of the audience. Whether it’s Marvel or DC, the stakes rise with every new movie. The subject matter becomes darker and edgier. Experimentation. Stepping outside the traditional narrative of a superhero film. This approach has created some of the most memorable comic stories told on the silver screen. And that’s exactly the kind of path Todd Phillips’ Joker follows.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix as the Clown Prince of Crime, Joker seeks to tell the origin story of arguably the most enigmatic comic character of all-time. Fanfare and controversy have surrounded the movie since day one. So, the question is does it live up to the hype?

Brightburn Review: Subverting The Superman Trope

The story of Superman is one of the most well-known superhero origins to ever be told. An alien baby crash lands on Earth and learns the value of humanity, thanks to the love of his supportive adoptive parents. Despite having the power to destroy the world, Clark Kent uses his abilities to save people and becomes a symbol for hope.

And then a film like Brightburn comes along and asks the question “what if Clark Kent was a psychopath who decided to use his powers to do whatever he wanted?” Inverting the Superman trope into something far more sinister, Brightburn mashes together horror and comics into a film that brings a new dimension to the superhero genre.

Venom Review: A Buddy Comedy Where Everyone Is On The Menu

Marvel have become the machine of superhero films, churning out hit after hit every year. So, when a different studio make a film about a popular character, you know there is going to be high expectations. Sony’s Venom features one of Spider-Man’s greatest enemies without the web-slinger being a part of it. It made me curious to see how Venom could exist without Spider-Man’s presence. Backed by the acting chops of Tom Hardy, Venom is a dark buddy comedy that doesn’t deserve the amount of negativity it’s received from critics.

Avengers: Infinity War Review: An Emotional Culmination Of Ten Years In The MCU

Since the Marvel Cinematic Universe began, fans have watched dozens of characters interact and build up a world that viewers have invested in. Through it all, there’s been an anticipation of leading towards something that would change the face of the MCU forever. After a decade of development, fans finally have what they’ve been clamouring for with Avengers: Infinity War. The hype and stakes can’t be overstated, which is why I’m going into full on fanboy mode with this review.

Black Panther Review: An Epic Film Of Cultural Importance

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going for a good ten years now and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Over the years, it’s produced some great films, with many coming with certain expectations. But I’d argue that none of them have come with the amount of expectation Black Panther has in terms of representation. After all, it’s the first time a black superhero has been presented on such a grand stage. Black Panther is an important cultural character to many comic fans, and I’m happy to say the film delivers in every way possible. There’s a great story, complex characters, awesome action scenes and plenty of word building that sets Black Panther apart from other superhero films.

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight Review: A Historical Thriller Filled With Suspense

When it comes to comic characters, Batman’s story is the most widely told. There have been many versions of The Dark Knight over the years, but people are still finding ways to make the character feel fresh. Batman: Gotham By Gaslight offers an alternative take on Bruce Wayne by telling his story in the Victorian era. The animated movie sees Batman take on Jack the Ripper in an epic Elseworlds tale that mixes history and comics together. Familiar faces are given new backgrounds and Gotham is reimagined as a sinister metropolis of industry and smoke.

Justice League Review: The DCEU Finds Its Feet At Last

Since the DC Extended Universe was created, it’s felt like there was a rush to catch up with the MCU. It’s been criticised for being overly dark, but Wonder Woman proved to be a step in the right direction. Justice League is the next entry in the franchise and I’m happy to say it’s continued DC’s momentum. The film brings together Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg to save the world, which they pull off with a sense of promise.

Thor: Ragnarok Review: The God Of Thunder Sparks With Laughter

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been built on a mixture of tongue-in-cheek references and world changing stakes. This trend continues with Thor: Ragnarok, which sees the God of Thunder take on the Goddess of Death for the future of Asgard. Along the way, Thor is joined by his self-serving brother Loki, a cynical Valkyrie and a smash-happy Hulk. This turns the film into a surreal, intergalactic road trip that makes Thor: Ragnarok one of Marvel’s best movies in years. Here is a spoiler free review.

Spider-Man: Homecoming Review

It’s been a hell of a year for superhero films, and the momentum keeps going with Spider-Man: Homecoming. Since Tom Holland debuted as the wall-crawler in last year’s Captain America: Civil War, fans have been eager to see what he can do when given a solo film to spin his webs. As comic fans, we’ve become used to watching epic battles and world saving stakes. So, when a film likes Spider-Man: Homecoming offers a window into the mundane side of superhero life, it offers a refreshing change. Here is my spoiler free review.

Wonder Woman Review

Ever since the creation of the DCEU, Warner Brothers have struggled to match the standard of the Marvel franchise. With the release of Wonder Woman, it seems they’ve finally got the DCEU on track. Gal Gadot steps back into a role that was the highlight of Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice. Now that she has a film to herself, Gadot puts on an incredible performance that many with remember for years to come. Here is my spoiler free review of Wonder Woman.