Maskerpiece Theatre: 2015

Thursday, December 31, 2015

A New Years Message From Handsome J...

The year is almost over and what an enjoyable film reviewing ride it has been. So many terrific movies this year and a few duds. I’d argue that 2015 produced a majority of entertaining films. I didn’t start writing reviews for this website until about four months ago which leaves so many other films unaccounted for. This is in no way an indication they aren’t worth seeing. They are, I just wasn’t writing about them at the time.

Below is a list of films that came out in 2015 and are ready for you to read, if you are so inclined. Each of the movies I saw in theaters and decided to write about for you. The goal is to provide you insight that might help you decide which films are worth your hard earned dollars and which can wait for Redbox. Additionally, I try to keep each review near 500 words. I do this specifically to ensure you have time to read them without it taking up no more than perhaps 5 minutes. I understand that all film is subjective, just like all art, but it’s my hope that you read these and appreciate the perspective I provide.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E, End of the Tour, Hitman Agent 47, Ant-Man, Black Mass, The Intern, The Visit, Sicario, Bridge of Spies, Hotel Transylvania, Crimson Peak, The Martian, Our Brand is Crisis, Spectre, Trumbo, The Peanuts Movie, The Night Before, Secret In Their Eyes, Creed, Krampus, Macbeth, Legend, The Good Dinosaur, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Sisters, The Big Short

2016 is almost here, possibly has arrived when you read this, and I’m excited about what Hollywood is distributing. Below are a few films I’m looking forward to in 2016 and I hope you have films you are excited to see as well!

The Nice Guys, Captain America Civil War, Batman VS Superman, Deadpool, GhostBusters, X-Men Apocalypse, Dirty Grandpa, Kung Fu Panda 3, Assassins Creed, Zootopia, Star Trek Beyond, Rogue 1, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Suicide Squad, Jungle Book, Hail Caesar, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Zoolander 2, Barbershop the Next Cut, and my most anticipated film of 2016 is Doctor Strange.

I hope you all continue to tell your friends and family what you enjoy here with Maskerpiece Theatre. Thank you again for your support folks. Here’s to 2016, being a movie junkie and reviewing film!

Cheers,

Handsome J

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The Big Short - Box Office Review

“The Big Short” might be one of the best written films I’ve ever seen. I can’t recall sitting through a movie that blatantly spells out how ignorant the audience watching the film is and then continues belittling their intelligence throughout. It’s incredible. They presume you’re an over commercialized fool who listens to celebrities over facts and then use celebrities to pander to your unintelligent existence. It’s truly a miracle. It’s remarkable to me that this movie is scoring so well on Rotten Tomatoes in viewer ratings. It is this reason that supports my belief on how well written this film is. It deserves an award. How do you insult an entire audience and then they give you rave reviews? Let’s explore…

First, this film is complicated because of how it deals with financial topics unfamiliar to many people. It addresses that fact nicely and provides the simplest explanation of concepts that led to the rise and fall of the housing market. The language in this film is complex, technical and crude. It’s also written so well that the simplest mind can grasp a new and challenging concept being described by simply using Jenga blocks. It caters to the lowest common denominator of intelligence and it’s done in such a way you might feel like you’re being educated. The fact is, you’re being talked down to because there’s a good chance you’re part of the problem that led to housing crisis in America. This isn’t education for improved learning. It’s education on how you (probably) helped ruin an entire economy by being unaware.

Second, and probably the most important, the movie ends by painting a picture of redistributed fault or blame. We don’t leave the theater feeling like the housing market had a bubble and it burst because we’re to blame. It ends by showing how the Federal Government is to blame. It details, nicely, how the United States Federal Government knew and did nothing to support change. In fact, the film closes with a poignant statement regarding why the banks didn’t care. Wall Street and banking is about money and this film informs you how far money goes and how little the people in charge care as long as there is money to go around.

“The Big Short” is in theaters now! I give this film all the bail out money it needs. It’s one of the best films I’ve seen all year. The actors are incredible, all of them. There’s no shortage of talent and you’d assume there might be. Star studded cast, supporting cast and ancillary characters are all well acted. The story is engaging and topical. I can’t wait to see this film again. It’s that good. If you fancy yourself an intellectual go see this. If you enjoy money and Wall Street, go see this. If you want a film that will open your eyes to an entirely new world that coexists with you, go see it. Incredibly well done and kudos all around.

The Binge Watcher Review: Zombeavers (2014)

Zombeavers (2014)

Starring: Rachel Melvin, Cortney Palm, Lexi Atkins, Hutch Dano, Jake Weary, Peter Gilroy, Rex Linn

Synopsis:

A fun weekend turns into madness and horror for a bunch of groupies looking for fun in a beaver infested swamp.

The Good:

This film is everything you would expect from a straight to DVD horror flick. From the cheesiness of the beavers to the horrible story. You get what you should be expecting from a movie called Zombeavers.

The Bad:

If you’re looking for a Academy Award winner than you should just turn off the movie. This film isn’t made for the script and its not made for the special effects.

Final Thoughts:

Zombeavers is the measuring stick for any Straight to DVD horror film, Its the shining example of “its so bad its good” I watched this film expecting horribly cheesy and that is exactly what i got and than some. This is a must have for any Bad Movie Night, not only do you get zombie Beavers but also hot semi naked chicks.

Zombeavers definitely gets two thumbs up, its the best of the worse and the movie knows it. You have to respect a movie that doesn’t take itself to seriously.

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Comic Book Review: Constantine the Hellblazer #7 (2015)

Written by James Tynion IV & Ming Doyle
Art by Riley Rossmo

The trees appear to be coming to life in the park, attacking and killing lovers who attempt to show physical affection in the bushes. John Constantine is met by the Swamp Thing to find out why this is happening.

I was really excited to see the Swamp Thing on the seventh issue of Constantine the Hellblazer. I know it's not the Swamp Thing I grew to truly enjoy when it was written by Alan Moore but it's still a lot of fun. I also liked that this issue was able to tell the story within one issue but still was able to leave you with a cliffhanger and get you ready for the next issue.

Riley Rossmo works so well as the artist of Constantine the Hellblazer. I was really excited to see his take on Swamp Thing and that definitely did not disappoint. The final page of the book is such an eerie vision, you'll be ready for the next issue.

What are your thoughts on Constantine the Hellblazer? Leave your comments below.

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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Maskerpiece Theatre: Year In Review: 2015

Year In Review: 2015

2015 is coming to a close. We at Maskerpiece Theatre want to thank all of you who have come along on this journey with us. As we have grown from a site that just posted podcast which at times were challenging to listen to……Thanks to the ghost of Harold! We transformed into a site that has brought you Cosplay photo’s from different Comicons, Movie Reviews, Comicbook Reviews and Television Reviews. We hope you continue to visit us for all these and much more in 2016

Here is a look back on 2015 and the Top Ten most visited Post. Click the links to re-visit each post.

#10 - Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest 2015 (Part Two)

#9 - Original Comic Book: Twisted Magic

"If the moral compass created by your past didn't exist, who would you become? If you had no one to tell you who you were, who would you think you are?"

#8 - The Flash Review: Season 2 Episode 7 “Gorilla Warfare”

“the writers for Flash always do a fantastic job of never drawing story’s out past what is necessary. This is definitely the case for this episode.”

#7 - Arrow Review: Season 4 Episode 9 “Dark Waters”

“First lets just say great Mid Season Finale, the type which makes you wish this show was a Netflix property and that you didn’t have to wait a month and half to see where it was going to lead.”

#6 - The Flash Review: Season 2 Episode 9 “Running To The Start”

“Wentworth Miller may be the best at playing Captian Cold but the original Trickster Mark Hamill is still perfect for the role of James Jesse.”

#5 - Arrow Review: Season 4 Episode 8 “Legends of Yesterday”

“Every episode this season has been on point, much improved and more enjoyable. Surprisingly this may be the best season yet of Arrow”

#4 - The Flash Review: Season 2 Episode 8 “Legends of Today”

“This was another great episode and I am loving the crossovers. This DC Television Universe is by far the best and in my opinion is more enjoyable than what we get with Marvel.”

#3 - Comic Book Review - Herald: Lovecraft & Tesla #3 - Action Lab Comics

“I love a good capture and escape type of story. This is exactly that and I especially love it when science and a bit of creative trickery is used.”

#2 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) A Masked Blogster Movie Review

“It's a great movie and highly recommended. The theater experience makes it even better as you hear the cheers, oohs and ahhs.”

#1 - Arrow Review: Season 4 Epsiode 5 “Haunted”

“Matt Ryan once again nailed his performance and gave us the Constantine we all want.”

The Binge Watcher Review: Bachelor Night (2014)

Bachelor Night (2014)

Staring: Andrew Bongiorno, Skyler Yeast, Phillip Andre Botello, Heather Paige Cohn,

Samantha Stewart, Melissa Mensah, Anna Beletzki

Synopsis:

When a bachelor party and a bachelorette party cross paths in Vegas, only the best man and the maid of honor can save their friends from a night of epic “mistakes.”

The Good:

If you’re looking for a movie that is basically nothing but tit’s and ass this is it.

The Bad:

Almost all of it is bad, I am not sure what they are trying to get out of this movie other than a late skin flick. The is suppose to be a comedy but there wasn’t much to laugh at if anything at all.

Final Thoughts:

This is movie really highlights all the reasons why straight to DVD Comedies get a bad reputation. This movie is a cheap rip off of films like Hangover and American Pie, but with a horrible script.

There is a reason this is considered a late night comedy, if you like tons of nudity and no real plot this is the movie for you.

Comic Book Review: We Stand On Guard #6 - Image Comics (2015)

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Steve Skroce

The final issue in the series. Amber is on board an American ship with explosives strapped to her body and holding a detonator. "The American" attempts to negotiate with Amber to prevent anything explosive happening. Outside, the Canadian resistance movement continues to keep the Americans at bay.

I was saddened to find out that the sixth issue of We Stand On Guard would be the final issue. I don't know if this was the original plan as the comic book felt very rushed. I feel there was more to be told and the end felt very abrupt.

All in all I did enjoy the series and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys comics that are violent and even a bit humorous. The characters were likable and their enemies were the type you could really dislike, even if though they were, in their minds, doing their jobs.

At only $2.99 per issue, We Stand On Guard is not an expensive collection to put together and you wouldn't have to wait for the trade paperback. I have a feeling that when the trade comes out, people will buy it and wonder why this book wasn't given a larger issue run. Perhaps it was truly by design. I will say this, purchasing the actual comic books is how the writers and artists keep their jobs. By the time trades come out, the book could already be done.

Okay, I'll stop preaching about being good consumers. I hope you enjoyed the review. Please let us know in the comments below how you think we are doing. Also let us know if there are other titles would like us to read and review.

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Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Binge Watcher Review: Bounty Killer (2013)

Bounty Killer (2013)

Staring: Kristanna Loken, Matthew Mardsen, Christian Pitre

Synopsis:

Bounty killers compete for body count, fame, and a fat stack of cash. They’re ending the plague of corporate greed and providing the survivors of the apocalypse with retribution. This is the age of the Bounty Killer.

The Good:

If you like your bounty hunter sexy and in a short skirt and your movie with tons of violence this is the film for you. This movie really delivers the with the exaggerated violence.

The Bad:

Not sure if the film had a bad script or just horrible delivery of the dialogue but it makes this futuristic apocalyptic movie a little hard to follow. It seems the film focuses more on the scenery and the action sequences than the dialogue allowing us to deal with a lot of cheesy delivery of the lines.

Final Thoughts:

If your looking for a cheesy B-rated alternative to Mad Max this is the movie for you. Don’t expect a lot from story, but visually this movie delivers. Will I watch this movie again? No it was a one and done movie and considering Pabst Blue Ribbon is considered a rare delicacy in this post apocalyptic film, that is what you should drink while watching this movie during your bad movie night.

I give this movie One Thumbs Up only because visually this film was fun to watch. Let us know your thoughts and leave a comment below.

Comic Book Review: We Stand On Guard #5 - Image Comics (2015)

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Steve Skroce

It's the year 2124 and the war between The United States and Canada continues. Amber and the rest of her group are moving in on the Americans.

I heard that this series is heading for an end soon. The action increased in this issue and it looks to be at a point of no return for the Canadians.

We Stand On Guard has been a pleasant surprise. In five issues, we have had ups and downs, lives lost and even a little bit of humor. There's actually a fleet of supertankers the Canadian group refers to as the "Hosers." I am really enjoying all of the Canadian humor that Brian K. Vaughan is including in this comic book series.

Get to your local comic book shop and pick up the back issues for We Stand On Guard before everyone finds out how excellent it is. The cover price is only $2.99 per issue which has been great, especially compared to what Marvel and DC like to charge for most of their books.

What do you think of We Stand On Guard? Are there any other comic book series' you are interested in reading? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Doctor Who The Husbands of River Song Review

Doctor Who: The Husbands of River Song

Directed: Douglas Mackinnon

Written: Steven Moffat

Synopsis: When a crashed spaceship calls upon the doctor for help, he finds himself recruited into River Song’s squad and hurled into a chase across the galaxy.

Review:

Oh the sweet blissful feeling of over whelming nostalgia! It’s no surprise when the Doctor finds himself on a planet on Christmas day with snow falling and Christmas music playing. The episode starts with a man named Nardole wandering through the town looking for a surgeon for a medical emergency. Of course the Doctor agrees that he is this "surgeon" and follows Nardole to a flying saucer where they are greeted by a hooded figure. Thus within 3 minutes of the show starting it happens, the character we have all be waiting for, River Song is there with every bit of attitude as ever! It is made clear very quickly she has never seen this face of the Doctor, which counts for some very fun dialogue between the Doctor and River through out a majority of the episode.

River, who is up to no good, has hired a surgeon to remove her husband’s head in order to get a diamond that is lodged inside it. Don’t worry though, seems River has a few husbands in this episode. The husband with the most valuable diamond in the universe in his head is the evil and vicious King Hydroflax. Rivers plan is discovered and ruined when Hydroflax interrupts her and the Doctor as they discuss stealing the king’s head. After some confrontation River and the Doctor escape danger with Hydroflax’s head in a bag, the escape made possible with the help of Rivers husband, Ramone. The special is really living up to its name, three husbands! River you bad girl!

There are many nostalgic moments, for true Who fans, in this special one is when the Doctor gets to express how he feels people should react when stepping into the T.A.R.D.I.S. for the first time, his own “it’s bigger on the inside” speech if you will. Shortly after arriving at the T.A.R.D.I.S. though, River and the Doctor are located by Nardole and Ramone, unfortunately it is after they are beheaded by the robot body of King Hydroflax, both of their heads are used for information to track River down. Suddenly the T.A.R.D.I.S., with everyone inside, ends up on the Starship Harmony and Redemption, which as River describes it is “where genocide comes to kick back and relax.” River hopes while on the Starship she can sell the diamond, yes while it is still in Hydroflax head.

The sell goes terribly wrong in Doctor Who fashion though when the buyers turn out to be big supporters on King Hydroflax. River and the Doctor must come up with a creative way to save their lives as the enemies close in. All while this is going on the dialogue between River and the Doctor is constant through the whole special, both bouncing off each other as if River never left, even though she doesn’t recognize him as the Doctor. Constantly the Doctor keeps trying to tell River he is the Doctor, but she just won't listen to what he is saying. Now with both River and the Doctor as hostages, Flemming (one of the employees on the starship) has some fun teasing River by reading some of her diary out loud with a few comments of his own. This pen points where we are in Rivers time line she was just in Manhattan. River of course is not happy with Flemming reading her diary and makes a few threats of her own in true River fashion. It is made aware that River will be used as bait to trap the Doctor so the robot body of King Hydroflax can take the Doctors head to replace the previous head that the body destroyed once established that the previous head would not survive the diamond lodged in his brain. River goes off on an unforgettable and heartbreaking rant of how she does love the Doctor, but believes that the Doctor does not lover her. All of this was said right in front of the Doctor, which is of course when she notices that he is in fact her Doctor as he utters “Hello, Sweetie.” Insert little girl scream now!

As the starship crashes from a meteor shower hitting the ship, a familiar planet is mentioned… Darillium. The moment all River/Doctor fans have been waiting for, the moment when they go to see the singing towers. It all starts to fall into place; the starship crashes near the towers, the doctor gets someone to build a restaurant and then the date happens. River and the Doctor have their moment together. River gets to finally have the date she always wanted and the Doctor has to face the reality of Rivers fate. The moment that makes it all so real is when the Doctor gives River the sonic screwdriver she uses in the Library episodes when we were all introduced to River. It’s as if Moffat knew what we were all waiting for, when River asks if the stories were true, if Darillium is the last place her and the Doctor see each other and of course there is only one word the Doctor can respond with “Spoilers.”

Final Thoughts:

Steven Moffat did it again, while this was a stand alone special, the lessons the Doctor had to learn from Season 9 seem to carry over into the Christmas special as well. The dialogue between River and the Doctor more than compensate for the obvious lack of budget when it comes to special effects. Some of these special effects during the special almost made me feel like I was watching an episode from season 1 or 2. Alex Kingston was fantastic as always as River Song and her chemistry with Peter Capaldi was just as electric as her chemistry with Matt Smith and David Tennant. If this is the last we see of River Song it was a great send off as Moffat seemed to touch on everything we love about the character. How many more amazing goodbyes can Moffat give us for the River Song Character? Now all we need to know is who will be the next companion? And now for one of the biggest questions of Doctor Who fans everywhere, when will season 10 start?

Monday, December 28, 2015

Sisters - Box Office Review

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are two comedic talents that instantly spark my curiosity when they are working on something. The fact they decided to make a movie together was immediately intriguing to me. I might have been the only guy in the theater not on a date but I still found myself laughing out loud and enjoying some humorous moments on screen. “Sisters” came out to a decent weekend earnings and even better critic and viewer reviews. There wasn’t much of a drop in earnings from week 1 to week 2 either. This suggests that word of mouth helps carry this movie along and for good reason.

Amy Poehler plays the responsible, career driven, sister who is tasked with informing her sister that their childhood home is being sold. Tina Fey is the free spirited, snarky, party sister who believes that responsibility is just a really long word. The cliche’s don’t end there as we see the basic plot points of stories like these manifest throughout the film. The responsible sister lets loose and learns something about herself and life. The party sister learns how everyone must grow up at some point, no matter how many failures you endure. The basic concept of this film is standard and lacks creativity. There’s nothing memorable with the overall story because we’ve seen it before in countless “coming of age” films.

The characters were entertaining and a familiar few faces appeared throughout the film. If you watched “Parks and Rec” and/or “30 Rock” you might have noticed a certain counsel man and an awkward writer who always picks the worst lunches. Nice little touches here and there helped make this film entertaining. The comedic timing in this film was done well, thankfully. It almost felt like the female version of “Step Brothers” which I was fine with. Watching two grown women try and reclaim the best night of their high school life was definitely entertaining. There were a few moments where the women in the audience were laughing and I wasn’t but only because I wasn’t sure where the joke was. The female audience seemed to understand so that demographic was satisfied, surely. Overall, I laughed many times and walked out of the theater pleased I made the purchase to see this comedy.

“Sisters” is in theaters now! I give this movie all the “dear diary” entries discussed in the film and maybe a few more. I recommend matinee prices but if you are looking to treat your lady to a comedy she’ll enjoy, date night this film. It never hurts to see a film your girl will like, probably more than you, from time to time. It’s funny. It’s entertaining. It’s not gender specific like a Lifetime movie. Overall, this was a good, laugh filled, time in the theater and I enjoyed seeing Tina and Amy on screen together.

The Binge Watcher Review: Awaken (2015)

Awaken (2015)

Staring: Natalie Burns, Daryl Hannah, Edward Furlong, Vinnie Jones

Synopsis:

A random group of people wake up on an island where they are being hunted down in a sinister plot to harvest their organs.

The Good:

Decent story paired with good actors give us a very watchable movie. This film was obviously shot well with a decent enough budget to give us a high end straight to DVD film. Given the many roles of Natalie Burns in this film, she did a decent job with the main role and has enough talent to be the main action hero for the flick. Lets not forget we also get the amazing Vinnie Jones, and he does an amazing job of just being Vinnie Jones. And if you need any more clarification on his talent just check him out in the TV Show “Galavant”

The Bad:

Through out the film we are treated to moments of weak dialogue and some choppy edits. It definitely is a reminder we are watching a straight to DVD Movie.

Final Thoughts:

This movie defiantly falls into the category of “A Action Movie for Guys that like Movies” and in many ways enforces the idea that little to no CGI is the way to go for upcoming movie makers. I started to watch this film expecting cheesy acting and horrible graphics, just hoping that the best I would get was a movie which was so bad it was good. By the end I found myself enjoying the film.

In the end a movie about a sinister plot to harvest organs for black market procedures is good enough for a view, especially on Hulu. But this movie doesn’t have much re-watchability to it. Enjoy it on a Lazy Saturday Morning.

I give this movie One Thumbs Up. Watch the movie and let us know your thoughts below.

The Uncanny Inhumans - Issue 3 - Marvel - Comic Book Review

The Uncanny Inhumans - #3 - Marvel

Written By: Charles Soule

Art By: McNiven, Leisten & Gho

Kang the Conqueror is no more. His apprentice, Ahura, son of Black Bolt and Medusa, has killed him and taken his time travel technology for himself. A much older and more powerful version of himself that the Inhumans have never seen before is ready to battle them in this new future reality. The battle rages on but eventually all battles must come to an end and Medusa must find a way to save a loved one before it’s too late.

This issue had some great art work as Ahura has figured out how to use psychic projections to fight the Inhumans, Beast and Human Torch. Plus, seeing some of the special abilities each character utilized in combat made for great visual story telling.

The dialogue was mostly exposition as we learn the hows and whys of Ahura who is now incredibly old in this new future reality. We also get the chance to see Black Bolt in action as he must stop more than just his son who is dedicated on their demise. Overall, this was a great short story on parents love for their children even in hard times and what hatred can lead people into. Very enjoyable read this issue and I’m looking forward to the next.

Comic Book Review: Dark Knight III: The Master Race #2 - DC Comics (2015)

Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Art by Andy Kubert & Klaus Janson

Batman, or girl, has been taken into custody and is being transferred to Blackgate prison. The Atom feels he has found a way to to enlarge the shrunken Kandorians. We also get to see Lara who looks to be a character to keep an eye on.

Only two issues in and there is so much going on. I'm really liking the fact that there are lots of subplots happening as they all feel separate yet you know they will all come together. As always with these monthly series, there is a big reveal at the end.

The Atom is also at work within this book and brings on a big reveal as he attempts to bring the people in the tiny city back to a normal size. The future will tell if this is actually a good idea or not.

So far so good from our people at DC Comics. I'm curious as to how many people will stick around with that $5.99 price tag. I keep hearing about comic book sales in general being down, but I don't think it would be so bad if the prices were lower.

This issue also included a mini book inside.

Wonder Woman #1
Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azarello
Art by Eduardo Risso

The book is called Wonder Woman but it feels more like it is about her daughter Lara. Lara trains with Wonder Woman but shows that the Amazonian steel blade is no match for her Kryptonian physiology. I definitely want to know more about Lara the more I continue to read the DKIII series.

Let us know your thoughts on The Dark Knight III: The Master Race in the comments below.

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Sunday, December 27, 2015

The Uncanny Inhumans - Issue 2 - Marvel - Comic Book Review

The Uncanny Inhumans - #2 - Marvel

Written By: Charles Soule

Art By: McNiven, Leisten & Gho

The issue picks up with Johnny Storm and Medusa explaining to Black Bolt how they are now dating and that is cut short by the realization that Black Bolt has still not found his son, Ahura. Medusa calls a meeting to discuss the most recent discovery and Inhumans begin disappearing. Kang has begun an attack on their lineage without altering the major timelines of history and the Inhumans with Johnny Storm and Beast must discover a way to stop Kang before it’s too late.

The issue started off with a romantic triangle that made sense to discuss but I could’ve done without. If it eventually builds the story in later issues great but if not, they probably could’ve left it out. The clever nature of Kang’s attack on the Inhumans was fascinating. To control time and use that to your advantage makes Kang a terrifying villain when you really consider the endless possibilities. Plus the addition of Human Torch and Beast to the group was fun.

This issue was entertaining. It started off slow but wasted no time getting on track and building suspense and anxiety. The fact Kang has Black Bolt and Medusa’s son manipulating the time line, killing off his own people and family without his knowledge was devious, evil and incredible. This took Kang the Conqueror to new levels of terrifying for me. The big reveal at the end of the issue also has me very curious to read the next issue.

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Comic Book Review: Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 - DC Comics (2015)

Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Art by Andy Kubert & Klaus Janson

The universe of Frank Miller's version of Batman continues in Dark Knight III: The Master Race. Thought to be dead, it appears
Batman is back and badder than ever. There is footage from a cell phone that catches the Dark Knight fighting with police. Everyone wants to know who is under the cowl and the reveal may surprise you.

This series is off to a fantastic start. I was not originally going to partake in the purchasing of these books since they have a $5.99 cover price. Luckily for me, my wife shops for comics based on cover and bought the first two issues for me(a review of issue two will follow in the next day or so). Frank Miller teaming with Brian Azzarello is great and also Andy Kubert is capturing much of the look the previous Dark Knight series.'

It's really cool to see more of the DC universe early on with DKIII. Wonder Woman looks to play a large part and we are introduced to another character who is looking to help her people. We also get a glimpse of Superman and where he is chilling.

The Atom #1
Written by Frank Miller & Brian Azzarello
Art by Frank Miller & Klaus Janson

There's also a bonus story within the comic book and that helps me in justifying the $5.99 cover price. It's actually a mini book and stars The Atom. We get a look into his world and what makes him tick. We are also shown a character that shows up at the end of DKIII #1 who enlists the help of Dr. Palmer.

I like seeing that Frank Miller did the artwork for this one. The cover with Superman on it is interesting to say the least.

If the price doesn't scare you too much, I'd say DKIII #1 is a nice addition to your collection. It's a little tough knowing there are awesome books at half the price available. Two issues of Saga or Paper Girls cost the same as one issue of DKIII. Could be tough if you're on a budget.

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Saturday, December 26, 2015

The Binge Watcher Review: Atlantic Rim (2013)

Atlantic Rim (2013)

Staring: David Chokachi, Graham Greene, Anthony ‘Treach’ Criss, Jackie Moore

Synopsis:

When giant Monsters crawl out of the Atlantic Ocean and attack the Eastern Seaboard the US Government is forced to trust a trio of mischievous soldiers, specialized in piloting gigantic robots, to defend America.

The Good:

Due to the low budget film you know what your getting. A Cheesy sci-fi action movie with questionable CGI. The most recognizable actors from the film are David Chokachi (Baywatch) and Graham Greene (Die Hard with a Vengeance), at the very least it gives the film the chance to have some actors to sell the story. The script isn’t horrible which allows the film to move with out the backyard film effect.

The Bad:

Well like most B Movies, the CGI is definitely questionable. I feel like I am watching a Playstation One Video game at best, and while the script is cheesy at best there is a reason this was a straight to video movie.

Final Thoughts:

Atlantic Rim is from the same production company that brings you some of the more popular B Movies such as Sharknado and the Three Headed Shark Attack. So it brings some credibility as far as B Movies go. Atlantic Rim definitely works as “Its so Bad Its good” type of film. Thanks to Hulu you can watch this movie any time you like. My suggestion start a weekly Bad Movie night with some friends and make sure you have some beer. Just don’t waste the good stuff on this film, make it a Pabst Blue Ribbon.

I give Atlantic Rim One Thumbs up, cause its just that bad its funny. Check out the film and let us know your thoughts below.

The Uncanny Inhumans - Issue 1 - Marvel - Comic Book Review

The Uncanny Inhumans - #1 - Marvel

Written By: Charles Soule

Art By: McNiven, Leisten & Gho

Black Bolt, Triton and Reader have travelled back in time 13,000 years to the city of Attilan. While preparing to enter the city they are teleported away by Kang the Conquerer into the year 1961. Kang explains the reason for this capture and explains the consequences of Black Bolts recent actions. A struggle ensues and the Reader teleports them away from the fight and into the present day where they realize a grand plan will be needed to defeat Kang. Meanwhile, Medusa has taken a small group of Inhumans to fight the invading Chitauri warriors in Central Park, New York City. We learn that the Inhumans are on a quest for peace with humanity as more and more NuHumans are being discovered all over earth. The Terrigen cloud is transforming humans into NuHumans and Medusa, as queen of the Inhumans, realizes they can hide no longer.

This issue starts off with some impressive art work showing the city of Attilan and how large in scale it was. I enjoyed the characters introduced in this series and the introduction of Kang the Conqueror as the main antagonist to Black Bolt was fantastic. The time travel aspect of this series we are introduced to feels like a complex but entertaining means to tell the story. I’m looking forward to reading how crazy things might get with time travel. It’s possible the writers won’t consider the ramifications of messing with a time line as well. All in all, I’m on board for another issue.

The characters are well spoken for in their own voice which is a positive for this story. With as many characters as are introduced in this series it’s imperative that the characters stand out as unique individuals. Dialogue can help create that distinction while reading so the text doesn’t jumble together as a mess of single character thought. Overall it feels like the writers will continue to build on the personalities and goals of each character which will serve the overall story well, I think.

Friday, December 25, 2015

Act 138: Christmas Theatre

Masked Blogster, Mandy, Handsome J and the podcaster who shall not be spoken of discuss Christmas, Star Wars and other holiday fun.

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

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The Binge Watcher Review: Black-ish

"Black-ish"

Starring Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Tracee Ellis Ross, Deon Cole,

Jenifer Lewis

Synopsis:

A family man struggles to gain a sense of cultural identity while raising

his kids in a predominantly white, upper-middle-class neighborhood.

The Good:

By far the star of this show is ever appearance by Laurence Fishburne. He might

even be funnier than Anthony Anderson. Also Deon Cole’s Charlie Telphy is a must have in each episode

The Bad:

Tracee Ellis Ross, Dre’s wife in the show. She is more annoying than funny and

maybe that is the point. I find it hard to watch scenes that require her to be the

main focal point.

Final Thoughts:

I am not sure what many of you thought when first hearing about this show.

I know when I did; I wanted nothing to do with it. Thank you Hulu, because

I would have missed out on one of the funnier shows on Television. Outside

of Brooklyn 99, this show has to be the funniest on TV. Currently in its second

season the show seems to be going strong, Anthony Anderson is great and the

scene stealer of the show is Laurence Fishburne.

I definitely recommend this show to everyone, if you’re behind check out past

episodes on Hulu. My suggestion, go to the Halloween Episode this season. I

give this show Two Thumbs Up. Please let us know what you think of the show and leave a comment below.

Scarlet Witch - Issue 1 - All New All Different Marvel - Comic Book Review

Scarlet Witch - #1 - Marvel

Written By: James Robinson

Art By: Vanesa Del Rey & Jordie Bellaire

The issue starts off with a bible verse condemning a witches life and then we see Wanda Maximoff in her apartment in New York on the upper east side. She’s just being startled awake by a nightmare and is having a conversation with a familiar ghost. She’s noticed strange, but familiar, events occurring in her city and she has taken to the street to discuss the events with the detective in charge of the case. Startling revelations occur for the detective when the Scarlet Witch saves his life using magic like only she knows how to do. Shortly after it’s decided that she must continue the search for this new evil that is plaguing her neighborhood and potentially, soon, her city.

This was an impulse buy at the comic shop. I walked in and saw this and thought, why not? I am happy I went with my impulse for this purchase! I had no clue what this would be about, how the story would be crafted or what direction this series might go. This first issue has me instantly hooked. The art work is unique and creates a visual story by itself. It has a spooky and eery feeling that blends beautifully with the world being created. I just enjoyed this issue so much.

The story gives Scarlet Witch a chance to explain her perspective on what her magic is and how it works. She clarifies the difference between what we are familiar with (chaos magic) and what she feels it truly is. It was a fresh perspective on her powers and what she’s capable of and why. Great dialogue for a first issue which are typically heavy on set up and exposition.

The end of the issue we see her powers in action. The twist in the story was fantastic and what an exciting visual of her abilities and spells. I just can’t express how far my enjoyment for this issue reaches. Great job by all parties involved in creating this first issue.

Pages

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Monday, December 28, 2015

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Friday, December 25, 2015