The Flash Review: Season 2 Episode 11 "The Reverse Flash Returns"

The Flash Season 2 Episode 11

“The Reverse-Flash Returns”

Synopsis:

Barry and the team don’t believe Cisco when he reveals he got a vibe of Eobard Thawne. Eobard attacks Mercury Labs and Tina McGee confirms that he has returned. Iris and Francine share a nice moment that brings Iris closer to her brother Wally.

Review:

The Reverse Flash is back, but unlike before he is in the form of Eobard Thanwe. It takes Harrison Wells scaring Cisco in order to stimulate his abilities in order to Vibe on the reverse flash. Wells help by creating a special set of glasses which will allow Cisco to vibe and control what he see. 

This time around when Barry is much faster and is able to capture Reverse Flash, unfortunately when Cisco starts having issue due to the past time line having been change. Barry needs to send Thawne back to the future. 

Final Thoughts:

Interesting episode, from the start it seemed as this episode was more about the advancing and control of Cisco’s powers. Everything about Barry’s fight with the Reverse Flash seems rushed leaving us wanting more form the fight between these two. Although one of my favorite moments during the show has to be when Harrison Wells informs Barry this is the Reverse Flash’s origin story. I am hoping this doesn’t just end right here and we get much more between these two. 

Well it took a lot more episodes than what I would have guessed but we finally had another Berlanti moment when Patty leanrs that Barry is the Flash. The way this ended leads me to believe Patty will be back here resurfacing will have a major affect on the story.

This was a solid story, unfortunately it was only to advance the story of Cisco. Since this really had no long term impact on the Zoom vs Flash story and we never really got a great battle between The Reverse flash, I only give this episode One Thumbs Up. Let us know your thought, Leave a comment below.

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Invincible Iron Man - Issue 3 - Comic Book Review

Invincible Iron Man - #3 - Marvel

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis

Art By: David Marquez and Justin Ponsor

Iron Man and Madam Masque are battling each other with science and magic. Iron Man’s suit goes into new emergency protocols that change the structure of the fight until Madam Masque disappears. Tony seeks out Doctor Strange for guidance on the magic powers possessed by Doom, Madam Masque and the newly discovered “Wand of Watoomb” from another dimension. The good Doctor locates Madam Masque and Tony is off to stop her, but things don’t turn out how everyone’s favorite Futurist planned…

The action sequence to start this issue was fun. I enjoyed seeing how the new armor Tony built works and functions. Similar to the “Iron Man 3” film we see that Tony can control the suit without being in the armor. The real trick is seeing how it falls apart and comes together. That was pretty spectacular. I am also enjoying the fact the armor changes look and design on a thought or reading of what is necessary for any scenario. This Iron Man suit is pretty incredible. 

The story continued to build on the mystical forces at place. It was great reading a page or two of Tony and Strange discussing recent events and their potential impact on the grander scale of existence. Tony is really starting to embrace his superior intelligence and we keep seeing that he’s not at his full intellectual potential as he is constantly one, if not two, steps behind Madam Masque. 

Overall, another solid issue. The brief section with Doctor Strange was enjoyable and the final pages of this issue increased my interest in this story and the characters. 

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Review The X-Files: The Struggle

The X-Files: The Struggle Season 1 Episode 1

Director & Writer: Chris Carter

Staring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Joel McHale

Synopsis: This 2016 pilot reintroduces "The X-Files" and reunites Agent Mulder with Dana Scully after the collapse of their relationship when Mulder is engaged by a TV host. Mulder proclaims new evidence that alien abductions have been faked.

The Good: Well the obvious of course, X-Files is back!!! While everything seems different, a lot of it feels the same.  Mulder is quick to believe and Scully still needs the proof but wants to believe. The episode is filled with controversy from an untrusting media reporter, to a sketchy witness that is killed just after she goes on national television stating that she lied about her abductions.  Seemingly everything that Mulder got to see as evidence is destroyed by some sort of government task force, easily setting up the potential of a season long story.

The Bad: This episode sadly is a little slow, but is worth watching. Just think though, this show has to reintroduce it self to the audience that loved it before, but also be informative to the new audience that has never seen the old series. 9 seasons is a lot to fill someone in on and I’m sure there are not very many new fans that binged watch over 150 plus episodes to be ready for this new season. That’s okay though while the story was a little lacking on the first episode it was a good introduction for where the characters are in their lives.

 

Final thoughts: This was a solid way to kick the show off. This being first part of a 2 night special, that does not involve the dreaded “To Be Continued…” ending. The story stood well enough on its own to get you to the second night which I am sure is going to fall more on the “traditional” X-Files format. We will have to see!

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Supergirl Review: Season 1 Episode 11 "Strange Visitor From Another Planet"

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 11

“Strange Visitor  From Another Planet”

Synopsis:

Kara must help Hank face his painful past when a White Martian, a member of the alien race that wiped out his people, kidnaps Senator Miranda Crane, an anti-alien politician. Also, Cat’s estranged son, Adam arrives in National City.

Review:

Hank is dealing with an alien from his past, a White Martian who is in National City with the goal of killing the last of the Green Martians. After Kidnapping Senator Miranda Crane, the white martian takes the form of Crane in order to draw out Martian Manhunter. When she wasn’t able to draw out Hank, the White Martian decides to kidnap Alex and trade her for the life of Hank. 

Also during this episode Cat Grant is dealing with her own past when Kara intervenes in Cats life and send a letter to her estrange son. 

Final Thoughts:

So we are introduced to the White Martian, however never referred to as Ms Martian. This was a fun episode, and we are starting to get more from Hank in the form of Martian Manhunter with each passing episode. I was somewhat surprised with the what CBS has been able to do with the CGI and even more surprised with what they did with the White Martian. This episode definitely caused some worry about for the upcoming Batman V Superman movie, mostly due to how close the White Martian resembles Doomsday. 

This episode also introduced us to another possible love interest for Kara in the form of Cat Grants son Adam. Now, I am not sure how I feel about this already crowed story to introduce another guy. But if it means less screen time with Jimmy Olsen I am all for it. Once again this episode benefited due to the lack of Jimmy Screen time.

The final scene of episode 11 introduces us to a second Supergirl…is this a Bizarro Supergirl? from the preview of the next episode we know this is the creation of Lord. How will this play out?

I give this episode Two Thumbs Up. Everything we get to learn more about Martian Manhunter is a plus for this show. Let us know your thoughts and leave a comment below.

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Invincible Iron Man - Issue 2 - Comic Book Review

Invincible Iron Man - #2 - Marvel

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis

Art By: David Marquez and Justin Ponsor

Iron Man and Doctor Doom are discussing current events in Castle Doom, Latvia. Doom is no longer wearing the customary outfit but instead he’s wearing a business suit with a face that no longer requires a mask. Doom is still the powerful scientist and magician and it takes a short squabble before Iron Man realizes that Doom needs him more than he might be comfortable with. Madam Masque continues her treasure hunt and a surprise visit from Tony Stark doesn’t go as planned, for either of them. 

The majority of this issue was back and forth dialogue between Doctor Doom and Iron Man. It was excellent. The character of Doom looks different but sounds familiar. This is a smooth, calculating and determined Doom. He’s not interested in reclaiming his country. He has new goals that only he is aware of. He’s a powerful mystic and the dialogue between Tony and his A.I. Friday was delightful. The realization that Tony might need help from Doctor Strange was a nice touch of flavor to an already fantastic issue. 

This issue gives us some more insight into what Madam Masque is searching for. It also did well to inform us how certain artifacts come to be found on earth and where in the larger universe our planet resides. The art work shows what Tony’s new armor is capable of and how the constant evolution of his armor is necessary for increased threats on his life and the planet. This was another fantastic issue both visually and in exposition. 

Overall, this issue continues to impress. If the next few issues continue building momentum at the pace I’m experiencing this could very well become a phenomenal series. 

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Comic Book Review: The Flash #47 - DC Comic (2016)

"Reunion"

Written by Robert Venditti & Van Jensen
Art by Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund & Andrew Dalhouse

The Flash continues his battle with Professor Zoom.

Get ready for a wild ride through time as we see the Flash fight Professor Zoom.  Zoom attempts to use Barry's father against him and monologues through the entire fight explaining his obsession with the Scarlet Speedster.  There are flashbacks to the killing of Barry Allen's mother Nora and there are also glimpses into the future illustrating why Zoom feels the way he does about the Flash.

This is a true all star team of talent working on this series.  Robert Venditti and Van Jensen are awesome with their story telling.  There wasn't a dull moment with this issue.  The team of Breet Booth on pencils, Norma Rapmund on inks and Andrew Dalhouse providing the colors make every page feel cover-worthy.  Every panel looks amazing in the Flash #48 and with every book they've worked on since coming to this series.  I'm sad to say that they are leaving this title but I will be picking up whichever book this group goes to(hopefully they continue working together).

What are you thoughts on the Flash comic books?  What other series of comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your comments below.

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Dirty Grandpa - Box Office Review

I had low expectations going into this film. I told myself that as long as this movie can deliver some quality laughs I will be happy. "Dirty Grandpa" delivered some humorous moments that were laugh out loud funny. The curious thing to me was that this film had the potential to be more. After leaving the theater I realized that the story was written in a way that could've been more developed similar to "The Hangover" but for one reason or another, it was not. 

Robert De Niro basically plays himself but an easily excitable, lustful version of himself. If viagra were not an option I don't know how well a premise like this film would work. He was ready to sleep with practically any female, single, attractive and available. When we first see his character, post the death of his wife, he's masterbating while watching porn. It's clear that this character he's portraying is a departure from his usual oscar worthy performances. It's still De Niro, so, he plays the part of a sexually driven geriatric well.

The jokes in this film were an assault on the senses. They were relentless. It was remarkable how many jokes could be made in one scene. It was overkill at times and hilarious the other times. When the jokes failed, Jason Mantzoukas was there to be the wildcard character we all know and love. His relationship with the police officers in this movie was one of the highlights. It was bizarre, uncomfortable and slightly crazy. It was comedy. 

Overall, the film didn't disappoint me because I didn't have expectations for it to be more than it was. It delivered on what I expected and I was happy that I was able to enjoy a film that required zero brain power and produced laughter. Towards the end it started to get a little emotional and life lesson-esque but that didn't bother me. It would be quite the challenge to create a story that started with a problem and ended with the same problem. Who would enjoy a story that goes nowhere? So, for me, I didn't mind the peculiar moral compass that developed in the third act of the film. 

"Dirty Grandpa" is in theaters now! If you have the cash and want to laugh you might get some friends together and go see this film. You do need to appreciate raunchy humor or you will most assuredly be offended, numerous times. At the end of the day it's a comedy that doesn't need to be seen on the big screen. You could easily skip this film and watch it on Redbox or whenever it comes on a cable/satellite channel. That being said, there is still something nice when sharing laughs with strangers in a room watching a comedy.

Comment below if you’ve already seen it and share your thoughts! Join in on the fun of movie watching and share this post with anyone who enjoys going to the movies. 

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Invincible Iron Man - Issue 1 - Comic Book Review

Invincible Iron Man - #1 - Marvel

Written By: Brian Michael Bendis

Art By: David Marquez and Justin Ponsor

A secret meeting in Beijing doesn’t go as planned for one man looking to start a new life. Madam Masque is on the hunt for particle items and she will stop at nothing to acquire them. Tony Stark has spent more time saving the world then reinventing his armor and he’s now behind the curve and almost late for a date with a brilliant biophysicist from Sri Lanka. After a burglary at Castle Doomstadt, Tony decides to test his new Iron Man armor and discovers that Latveria’s not the same with Doctor Doom not in control, or is he…

The issue starts off with mystery and murder. Immediately I was hooked. The dialogue was used well to explain where this new story is taking place and why Tony Stark is all new and all different. There’s some fun moments of dialogue between Tony and the Biophysicist when she reveals to Tony his reputation as a world renowned womanizer. I got a few laughs out the dialogue and a surprise cameo by another Avenger. This comic read like James Bond film which was a surprising discovery. 

The art in this first issue was spectacular. The use of shadows added incredible texture to the entire issue. When Madam Masque opens the brief case and we see a brilliant light shine upon her face and it’s exactly what I’d expect from a sudden burst of light on a face in a dark room. The detail on Madam Masque’s face was my absolute favorite. There’s one panel that is a close up on her face and the attention to detail was done so well that I fell right into this new world being created. 

Overall, I enjoyed this first issue. I wasn’t sure how much I’d like reading a new Iron Man story but Bendis, Marquez and Ponsor won me over immediately. Job well done. 

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Comic Book Review: Batman #48 - DC Comics (2016)

Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Greg Capullo

Mister Bloom has Jim Gordon in his clutches and is speaking to all of Gotham as he walks tall through the city.  Bruce Wayne meets someone who seems a bit too familiar.

The anticipation is revving up in Batman #48.  Mister Bloom doesn't just have Jim Gordon in his literal clutches but he seems to have much of Gotham City in his figurative clutches.  Bloom promises great power to lucky citizens of Gotham as he has seeds hidden throughout the city.  Bloom's speech throughout the comic was fantastically written.  Bloom makes comparisons to gardens and how appearances are not always what they seem.  It is incredible alliteration to a view of society today.

Bruce Wayne still isn't Batman.  This story should bring the Bat back as, according to what's being read all over the internet, Scott Snyder is leaving the title.  It had already been reported that Greg Capullo would be leaving Batman in the very near future as well.  The Mister Bloom story line is a pretty cool way to go out.  He's an interesting villain as he feels that what he is doing is not only right, but necessary.  I am hoping to find out who may be the new team working on Batman once these superstars leave the title.

What are your thoughts on Batman?  What other comic books would you like Maskerpiece Theatre to review?  Please leave your comments below.

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Captain America: White - Issue 5 (Final Issue) - Comic Book Review

Captain America: White - #5 - Marvel

Written By: Jeph Loeb

Art By: Tim Sale

Captain America is racing up the Eiffel Tower on his motorcycle attempting to stop Red Skull from blowing up the tower and killing Bucky, who he holds prisoner. Meanwhile, the French Resistance, Fury and the Howling Commandos are being held prisoner by Baron Von Strucker in the Louvre. Separately, but at the same time, the battles ensue and, as wars go, not everyone makes it out alive. 

The final issue in the series delivered splendidly on everything it was building towards. There were twists throughout this series that each were impacting enough to create a feeling while reading. The twists in this issue were just as powerful. There was even a moment where a character alludes to another popular character in the Captain America mythos. It’s all tied up wonderfully as the final page and the final panel end this Captain America run. 

The conclusion of this series really reinforces the bond and friendship that existed between Cap and Bucky during the 1940’s. It raises the bar on story telling when detailing friendship and commitment to another individual. It even makes my excitement for the movie “Captain America: Civil War” so much more because of my deeper understanding of Cap’s feelings towards his friend Bucky. 

I recommend you take time to enjoy this series. It’s an incredible series and if you wait for it to become available in Trade Paperback I’d understand. However, if you decide to purchase each issue like I did you won’t be disappointed. The issues are available now while the trade probably won’t be for a little while. Such an incredible run on the World War 2 version of Captain America. Plus the artwork is spectacular. The entire series felt like it was a painting. It’s remarkable, unique and visually exciting. I just can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this series without being overly wordy and possibly repetitive. Go read this series!

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