The MPT Comicbook Corner Podshort

Handsome J breaks down some of the Marvel comics he read in one evening and gives each one a rating in this brand new podshort series.

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Cafe Society - Box Office Review

Woody Allen returns with a period piece set in 1930’s America. Allen has a unique way of creating characters that appear genuine and relatable in his films with a distinct style that is his very own. “Cafe Society” builds on this anticipated style and has some big names to help move the plot along. So let’s dive in and take a look at my thoughts in this box office review…

In my continued efforts of honesty I will admit that I am not a fan of most of the characters Jessie Eisenberg has played. That being said, I feel the nervous Jew who is trying to make it with women and in business was almost near perfect for him to portray. It was like the part was written for him and I found myself pleased with his performance. His delivery and timing of lines and even attitude felt natural. It was probably my favorite performance I’ve seen him give. Steve Carell on the other hand was a different experience entirely. Initially, it felt like his character was so two dimensional and fake it was almost unbearable. It isn’t until we see him seated in a restaurant with Kristen Stewart that he is acting as an idea of completeness and control instead of being genuine. There’s one scene in particular, again with Stewart, where he has to bounce between genuine and fake that is quite entertaining and humorous and it’s here that we see the true persona of his character only brought out by a woman. 

Corey Stoll was also fun to watch as he plays a jewish gangster/club owner who is, in his own peculiar way, helping his family. I would’ve been more surprised by his performance but after watching his performance as the villain in Marvel’s “Ant-Man” movie I was not caught off guard at all. It was interesting to see all the character personalities in this film and even later into the movie Eisenberg and Stewart have a conversation about how they have become what they initially thought they opposed. There’s an arc to each characters story within this film and I found myself entertained. 

Overall, the story begins with a boy who wants to make it on his own in a new town. Then it transitions into a love triangle filled with heartbreak and loss and then into the final chapter where we see each character facing life from new perspectives. The success or failure of this film rests entirely on the characters as this film is, truly, at its heart a character piece. This isn’t an summer action blockbuster and one might wonder why release a film of this nature so early into summer and not closer to the dramatic pieces that drop in Autumn/fall. It’s definitely not an Oscar contender but it’s dramatic appeal and character driven story certainly lend itself more to that time of year over summer blockbuster season.

“Cafe Society” is in theaters now! If you’re a fan of Woody Allen films I’d recommend you see this on the big screen. If the last or only Woody film you’ve seen was “Midnight In Paris” than you can probably Redbox or VOD it and get just as much from it. It’s a charming film that explores what it means to be a family, pursuing your passions, following your heart and finding true love. It’s not a great film and I doubt it will win any Oscars but it won’t ask a lot from you and will provide you occasional laughs. 

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

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

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: Deadpool VS Thanos #4 - Marvel

“Deadpool VS Thanos”  Issue #4

Written By: Tim Seeley

Art By: Elmo Bondoc, Ruth Redmond and VCs Joe Sabino

The issue opens up with Eternity and Death discussing judgement when they are interrupted by the In-Betweener. From there we see Thanos and Deadpool freeing Mistress Death and then being granted all of Deaths power to combat Eternity. This doesn’t go as smoothly as Mistress Death would Hope as Deadpool realizes that life is important and her power is removed from him and left to Thanos who battles Eternity. A surprise visitor shows up and grants Deadpool certain powers to fight for Eternity and stop Thanos and certain revelations are made that show Deadpool might be more insightful than he let’s on.  

Another enjoyable issue that has some laugh out loud moments from the Merc with a mouth. The art continues to be one of the main delights in this series as Deadpool and Thanos travel the cosmos, Hell and beyond in pursuit of Death. The attention to detail and coloring for each location helps build on the concept that the characters are traveling all over. It feels like Deadpool and Thanos are actually in these realms and not just the same location with a slightly different look. 

Towards the end of the issue there’s some great dialogue between Deadpool and Thanos that show the true nature of Thanos. Tim Seeley went with Thanos being surprised with Deadpools perspective and it’s accuracy and truth which I thought was a great idea. Ultimately, Deadpool realizes that the life and death balance makes eternity all the more important and beautiful which does not sit well with Death. The closing observations by Deadpool really allow you to appreciate his quick wit because now it’s with the understanding the shallow comments originate from a deeper place… like his lover for the Golden Girls TV show. 

This issue is $3.99 and worth it, again. This story builds and builds until you completely understand and appreciate the final battle between Deadpool and Thanos. It’s a fun read and it has some thought provoking perspective on the value of life and the importance of death. Hop over to your local comic book store and pick up the issue and back issues if you haven’t read them yet.  Oh, and tell them Maskerpiece Theatre sent you. 

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Maskerpiece Theatre Live at Phoenix Comicon 2014!

For the third straight year, Abnormal Entertainment will record live podcasts at Phoenix
Comicon!

Join us on Thursday, June 5 in Room 225a for four straight Abnormal shows!

Banned from iTunes: 5pm - 6pm

Myriads of Thought: 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Maskerpiece Theatre: 8pm - 9pm

Cinema Head Cheese with The Atomic Fallout Society: 9:30pm - 10:30pm

Keep an eye out for the Maskerpiece crew, as they'll be recording video all weekend.