Doctor Strange - Box Office Review

Marvel Studios has made an incredible name for themselves from 2008 (Iron Man) to now, 2016. In 8 years we’ve seen a lot of fun and entertaining films that reach levels of character development never really explored in previous films based on Comic Book characters. Fox was close in the early 2000’s with “X-Men” but I argue they didn’t dig as deep into the core of the characters as Marvel Studios. So let’s dive in and take a look at my thoughts on the 14th film, “Doctor Strange” in this box office review…

When Kevin Feige first announced they were making a movie based on the character Doctor Strange I thought, like most people, “Who?” I had no clue who this character was in the greater mythos of Marvel comics. Fortunately I had about 3 years to do research because the leading man Benedict Cumberbatch wasn’t announced as playing Doctor Strange until 2014. After buying dozens upon dozens of his comics and reading up on who he is, his stories, his villains and how he plays into the Marvel comic world, I fell in love with this character. To say I was excited for this film would be a gross understatement. I saw this film three times to ensure that what I saw was actually what I saw and not my fan boy eagerness to believe my excitement was what I saw on screen.

I love this movie! Are there some weak points? Yup. Just like any other movie there are high and low points but the high points far outweigh the low. This film captured the essence of the character of Doctor Strange who is an overly confident, condescending asshole who is involved in a situation only as long as it benefits him in some way to becoming a selfless student of magic and his role of protecting reality, not the world, but the actual fabric of reality. The story arc made sense but I would have appreciated a more definite look at how time is passing while he is training to become the Sorcerer Supreme. It’s not very clear how much time passes from his car accident which leaves him a cripple to the finale where he is facing one of realities greatest threats, Dormammu, ruler of the dark dimension, who is trying to literally transform reality on earth into an infinite abyss of dark suffering and nothingness. Additionally, to this character, I enjoyed how by the end of the film he’s only a Master Magician and not actually Sorcerer Supreme. I appreciated that the story didn’t just wrap it all up in a nice bow but left the sequel open for more development and growth. 

The visuals in this film are revolutionary. I saw this twice in IMAX 3D and once in standard 2D. If you have the opportunity, IMAX 3D is the way to go. This film was made for the depth that 3D films can achieve. I normally hate 3D because I feel it’s a cheap gimmick to raise ticket prices but this is the exception to the rule. This film was colorful, dark and vibrant. The fight scene in his house (Sanctum Sanctorum) had 3 doors that allow him to travel to anywhere in the world and the detail they went into covering the different locations on earth looked stunning. The martial arts meets magic looked spectacular. The reality bending of buildings and cities was beyond impressive. Plus seeing a building twist and shift on top of villains was fabulous. This movie was both the creative and logical side of the brain coming together into one masterful and brilliant film. The different realities that we are taken into look spectacular. It's like a brain box kaleidoscope of psychedlic crazy brilliance that will be the best visual treat you can give your eyes this year. I'm calling it. 

I should warn you that this film is also exposition city. The characters talk, a lot. If you’re into what it means to explore the value of individuals in this reality and what their role is beyond this life and deeper meanings, etc, this is a film for you. This film examines what is known and how what is not yet known all play together and how we must be open to receiving the unknown in order to learn from it and evolve into more. If you don’t find yourself thinking about much when you leave the film I will be surprised because it’s like a philosophy class on life with ninja magicians who can shape shift buildings and cities while still being clever and insightful.

“Doctor Strange” is in theaters now. I’ll probably see this film another time or two because I enjoyed it that much. Ninja Magicians people. Ninja Magicians. This isn’t like Harry Potter. This isn’t like Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. This is something entirely new and different and director Scott Derrickson knocked it out of the park. Marvel Studios continue to give a fresh approach to story telling with each new film. Go see this film in IMAX 3D! It’s worth every penny, dollar and moment spent in the theater. It's just so good!

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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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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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Comic Book Review - Herald: Lovecraft & Tesla - Issue 1 - Action Lab Comics

Written by: John Reilly

Art by: Tom Roger & Dexter Weeks

Nikola Tesla is investigating the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhardt.  Feeling that this is more than what it seems, Tesla goes to someone who is believed to be somewhat of an expert in happenings that are out of the ordinary; H.P. Lovecraft.

While the story feels a bit rushed, I kinda get it.  We are dealing with unbelievable circumstances and working with some of the most well known names in science, literature, aviation and even magic(Harry Houdini is in this as well!).  All in all, this is a fun book to read.  Nikola's inventions, tentacled monsters and all around a great time.  

I believe this is a three issue story-arc so I understand moving the story along a bit more quickly from that aspect as well.  I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next as Tesla and Lovecraft search for answers in their adventures together.

Comic Book Review: The Shadow - Issue 3 - Dynamite

“The Shadow"  Issue #3

Written By: Cullen Bunn

Art By: Giovanni Timpano and Marco Lesko

The issue begins with the Shadow battling wild and mysterious beasts who have been released from their cages. After defeating the animals the Shadow finds Sandman in a room full of mutilated human bodies, seemingly dead, and the dialogue between characters tells us there’s more to Sandman than just being a hired hand to kill the Shadow. Furthermore, it’s revealed that there’s another secret society of magicians and in order to find out more about this war that is building the Shadow must travel to London. There he meets one of Houdini’s competing magicians and friend but their time together is cut short when Shadow discovers that she has been poisoned. 

This issue starts off with action and ends with murder. What a ride this issue was! The art work done for the room full of mutilated bodies was enjoyable. It’s not every day I read a comic that has bodies lying dead on the floor from being strangled but somehow the strangling hand was cut off. Also, what type of murderer pops out someones eyes and then lays them next to the head of the now presumably dead body? This issue pulled out all the stops for murder and mayhem. 

The dialogue between Shadow and Sandman was entertaining as well. We learn that Sandman is more methodical than originally thought and he’s not just a hit man, but more a calculated assassin of sorts. The writing also informs us that Shadow realizes his powers are being tested and that he needs to increase his abilities to become more powerful in order to stop the secret societies of magicians that are waging war on each other. 

This series will be staying at $3.99 it appears but I’ve accepted that and I still feel it’s worth it. I also still feel that even a dollar less would attract more readers who might not know anything about The Shadow. It’s worth the read if you’re into the 1940’s era detective crime and murder saga’s. It’s worth the read if you’re into magic also. Stop on by your local comic book shop and pick a copy up today. Oh, and tell them Maskerpiece Theatre sent you. 

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Comic Book Review: The Shadow -Issue 1 - Dynamite

“The Shadow"  Issue #1

Written By: Cullen Bunn

Art By: Giovanni Timpano and Marco Lesko

The issue begins with a magician, Carlini, dying in bed and being greeted by “The Society of United Magicians" who are in search of Houdini’s last great magic trick, from beyond the grave. From there it cuts to a circus where the Shadow is trying to apprehend another magician while battling circus freaks, who are literally shooting themselves at him from cannons. It’s revealed that the Magicians are searching for Houdini’s secret with violent means but only the Shadow knows Houdini’s secret and the Magicians will not stop until they’ve uncovered the secret… by any means necessary.

What a fun trip back into the world of “The Shadow” and mystery meets crime drama. All the aspects of the Shadow are captured here and even the dialogue is appropriate to the character and the world this story takes place in. Old cars, old planes, old guns, classic outfits and hairstyles, it’s all here. Even the font used when the Shadow laughs and disappears feels right. If you’re a fan of the Shadow you’ll appreciate this issue. If you aren’t yet a fan, you might still enjoy the campy feel of a 1940’s murder mystery that deals with magicians.

The initial issue was only $1 and well worth it. The story is well paced and keeps you engaged without slowing down too much for dialogue. The swiftness in which the Shadow moves is captured here as well and if you grew up listening to, or recently have enjoyed, the old radio shows you can hear Orson Welles maniacal laugh each time the laugh happens in this issue. I’m curious to see where the story goes with this nefarious group calling themselves “The Society of United Magicians” and I hope after reading you are too. 

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Comic Book Review: Constantine the Hellblazer #6 - DC Comics(2015)

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

John Constantine is back in New York City after his encounter with his ex-girlfriend turned ghost-killer in the United Kingdom.  Constantine hates being alone and decides to take the Ghostbusters route and taking all kinds of ghostly jobs.  John also has been thinking of the handsome man he met back in issue one.

This book was a bit of a let down after the story line that went through the first five issues.  I'm assuming it will be a book that we look back on and say, "that's where it started."  With that said, this was not a bad comic book. It was quite good and really delved into the psyche of John Constantine and his motivations.

Riley Rossmo's artwork was on display incredibly well in this issue.  Rossmo was able to put together some wonderful panels with all kinds of demons and monsters with Constantine taking all of the odd jobs he was working.  The jobs felt like they could have been spread out into multiple books.  This is why I am thinking there is another big story line coming up as opposed to a monster of the month type of book.

Again, I love the writers of "Constantine the Hellblazer" even if this wasn't my favorite book.  I'm looking forward to seeing where everything goes from here. "Constantine the Hellblazer" is available now and the cover price is only $2.99.

You can read more of my blogs here on Maskerpiece Theatre and also on http://cinemaheadcheese.blogspot.com/

Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Comic Book Review: Doctor Strange #2 - Marvel

“Doctor Strange”  Issue #2

Written By: Jason Aaron

Art By: Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend, Al Vey and Mark Irwin

The issue begins with Doctor Strange battling the bizarre creature growing out of the young librarians head in the last issue. Peculiar magic is at play right now and Wong and Strange are set on trying to discover where these unfamiliar magics originated and why his magic incantations are useless. Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme takes the young woman on a tour through the Sanctum Sanctorum to find the creatures and research spells to defeat them when it is revealed to Strange what he must do in order to stop these magical monsters. However, unbeknownst to Doctor Strange and company danger still lurks in the shadows of other realms. When this danger will eventually reveal itself is to be determined, but our Sorcerer Supreme will have his hands full, I’m sure.

I can’t even begin to adequately express how much I am loving this new run on Doctor Strange. Jason Aaron is already one of my favorite writers around right now and add that to the unique stylings in art and color and what an impressive two issues. This is Doctor Strange like I’ve not read before and what a fantastic time. He’s a confident character but he’s more down-to-earth and relatable for Sorcerer Supreme. He’s noticeably different than Doctor Strange of issues past and it works well.

The journey through Sanctum Sanctorum is fascinating. The way this new Doctor Strange lives in the bizarre and peculiar with such ease and comfort is quite entertaining and at times humorous. The single panel dealing with the snakes gave me a laugh, for example. Every room is a new bizarre reality that has unique characteristics that, as the Doctor warns, could make you go mad. It feels like the Sanctum will be a character unto itself and I’m perfectly happy with that.

This issue is $3.99 and considering it’s part of the “All New, All Different” Marvel comic runs right now, it’s quite the steal. My initial concern was that it would be much pricier but this price point doesn’t quell my anticipation at all for the next issue, or the one after that, or that. If you’re looking for something different from Marvel, Doctor Strange is it. 

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Comic Book Review - Constantine The Hellblazer #3 - DC Comics

Written by: Ming Doyle & James Tynion IV
Art by: Ming Doyle & Vanesa Del Rey

John Constantine heads back to England to seek the help of Georgie, an expert in the occult.  As with any John Constantine acquaintance or relationship, there is a past that he will likely need to address.  Georgie is on a case when Constantine arrives and he agrees to help out in hopes Georgie can help out with his Ghost Killer problem.

We have a couple different art styles within this store which I found to be pretty awesome.  The gritty look we have become accustomed to for present day and a bit more of a brighter and cleaner look for the flashbacks.  Constantine having to find some way to reconcile for his past is a mainstay in his books and this is done very well.  He wants to find this Ghost Killer but he now knows he can't do it alone.  Adding in the hunt for what Constantine thought was a succubus was a great way to show that he would help Georgie, but of course doing it his way.

Three issues in and this is a delightful series.  With a $2.99 price tag, it's worth picking up to see if it is something that works for you as well.  Please leave comments below and let me know what you think.

You can read more of my blogs here on Maskerpiece Theatre and also on CinemaHeadCheese.blogspot.com

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?"

The questions above are from writer Kalani Nazarro, the author of Twisted Magic.  These questions are the basis for the mysterious main character of this horror-fantasy comic.  

We were going for a new look with this comic book and we are hoping you enjoy it.  As the artist, I had a bit of difficulty finding the look that matched Kalani's vision.  The first page itself went through multiple looks.  He told me one day he wanted to get away from comic book panels and that's when the light bulb came on.  I drew the first page and sent it to him and at that point we were off and running.  

Please feel free to leave comments below or contact us on social media sites or email MaskedBlogster@gmail.com

If you do like it, please share it!  Thank you for reading!

Twisted Magic

Written by Kalani Nazarro

Art by Dalyn Viker