Maskerpiece Theatre

Friday, November 18, 2016

Supergirl Review: Season 2 Episode 5 "Crossfire"

Supergirl Season 2 Episode 5

“Crossfire”

Starring:

Melissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh, Jeremy Jordan, Floriana Lima, Chris Wood, David Harewood, Brenda Strong, Katie McGrath, Alexander Cendese, Andrea Brooks

Synopsis:

Supergirl must beat a ruthless new gang who has been armed with dangerous new alien technology. When Cadmus sends a video to the DEO, the team realizes Cadmus is the one staffing the criminals for a secret mission. Meanwhile, Kara gets Mon-El a job as an intern at CatCo, James makes an important decision and Lena invites Kara to attend one of her fundraisers.

Final Thoughts:

Cadmus takes center stage in episode 5 of Supergirl by handing out alien weapons to humans and having them robbing banks. This takes everyone from Supergirl to Wynn and Lena Luthor in order to stop the robbers. The most interesting twist to come from this episode has to be the reveal that head of Cadmus is non other than Lena’s mother. This makes sense and provide an opportunity down the road to turn Lena toward her brothers evil side.

Mon-El finally joining the real world was the second part of this episode. It’s an entertaining story line being told here. Obviously he is brining some of his own traits from his home world to National city. Nice light hearted moments for the show. We also get to see the growing relationship of Alex and Maggie, it will be interesting to see how this plays out over the next few weeks.

Now to the big turn, James Olsen wanting to become a hero. During the episode we see James get involved over and over again. Being a man with now powers leave him vulnerable, and in harms way. By the end of the episode he is able to get wynn to agree to help build him a suit. So now we are finally going to get the guardian. I am not sure how I feel about this, James has been an interesting character on the show. For the better part of season 1 he was more or less disliked by the fans, and for the better part of the first 4 episodes from season 2 just MIA. So will this help get people behind the character more? Im not sure, I still haven’t enjoyed him and I am not seeing that change any time soon.

Let us know your thoughts on the episode and leave your comments below.

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Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt
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Act 185: Who Is President?

Masked Blogster and crew discuss escape rooms, holiday shopping, wrestling, hot super heroes, and since they recorded early, they wonder who the new president might be.

To listen, click here. To download, right click and "Save As..."

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.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Legends of Tomorrow Review: Season 2 Episode 4 "Abominations"

Legends of Tomorrow Season 2 Episode 4

“Abominations”

Starring:

Victor Garber, Brandon Routh, Caity Lotz, Franz Drameh, Maise Richardson-Sellers, Nick Zano, Dominic Purcell, John Churchill, Warren Bell, Alex Barima, Dean S. Jagger

Synopsis:

When the Legends discover a time Aberration in 1863, they find themselves fighting for survival during the Civil War with Confederate soldiers who have been turned into zombies. With the Civil War outcome hanging in the balance, Jax must participate in a daring mission by going to a slave plantation with Amaya. Meanwhile, Sara begins to feel the burden of the decisions she has to make as the leader, and Ray struggles to find his purpose on the team.

Final Thoughts:

It’s funny how this show is able jump from one storyline and inject something so very different when needed. This episode was exactly that, while the main story of Reverse-Flash and Damien Darhk was put to the side for an episode, we did get an episode worthy of Halloween. Yes, the legends had to go up against Zombies.

The episode put the legends up against many different scenarios, while Ray continued to struggle with his worth to the team. Professor stein had to deal with his now rational fear of zombies when Rory turned into a Zombie and started to terrorize the Waverider.

Also an interesting theme is being used during this season and was really touched upon in the 5th episode. Obviously with the show touching on time travel, there will be a need for the creators to touch on racial issues. This has been well done and really has set Jax apart in many ways from the rest of the characters, and he really has been one of the best parts of the show.

Episode’s like this don’t really leave much with suspense, before the show even ends we know that the Legends will succeed. This might be the only downfall to Legends of Tomorrow, but outside of this the episode itself was fun and exactly what we need. The best part of the episode has to be with Ray getting Snart’s Ice Gun, this will be a fun pair to watch going forward.

Let us know your thoughts on the episode and leave your comments below.

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!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Arrow Review: Season 5 Episode 5 "Human Target"

Arrow Season 5, Episode 5

“Human Target”

Starring:

Stephen Amell, David Ramsey, Willa Holland, Emily Bett Rickards, Echo Kellum, Paul Blackthorne, Rick Gonzalez, Joe Dinicoi, Madison McLaughlin, Wil Traval, Carly Pope

Synopsis:

When Tobias Church captures and tortures one of Oliver’s new recruits, Oliver must turn to an old friend, Christopher Chance AKA The Human Target, for help. Meanwhile, Felicity’s worlds collide when Detective Malone joins the ACU

Final Thoughts:

With Wild Dog captured and being tortured, Oliver and team go to the rescue, once recovered, Oliver learns that Rene couldn’t hold out any longer and told Church who the Green Arrow really is. The remaining of the episode sees Rene working with Diggle in order to learn more and obviously give that big brother advice that can only come from Diggle.

With Oliver’s life now on the line as Mayor, its up to him and the team to put in place a plan to stop Church. This is were we are finally introduced to Christopher Chance, the Human Target. We learn that these two also met before in Russia through the flashbacks.

After Church is captured, we see what happens when someone disobeyed Prometheus, as the last scene of the episode shows prometheus attacking the police transport and finally killing Church. This was a fast end to church but makes sense as we are reaching the final weeks of the first half of the season. Depending on how many more episode there are, we should we should start getting more clues to who is under the mask.

The 5th episode of the season played perfectly, it was the type of build to the death of Church which was deserved. Do I wish there was more time, yes. But considering where we are in the season and with the big crossover between shows happening soon, it makes sense to end so soon.

What did you think of the 5th episode of Arrow? Let us know your thoughts and leave your comments below.

The Flash Review: Season 3 Episode 5 "Monster"

The Flash Season 3, Episode 5

“Monster”

Starring:

Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes, Keiynon Lonsdale, Tom Cavanagh, Jesse L. Martin, Tom Felton, Susan Walters, Thomas Cadrot

Synopsis:

Desperate to understand what is happening to her, Caitlin visits her mother, Dr. Tannhauser, a renowned biomedical researcher, in the hopes that her mother can provide some answers about Catlin’s growing meta-human powers. However, when Dr. Tannhauser treats her daughter like a test subject, Caitlin grows cold and brings up past wounds causing the two to have a major blowout. Meanwhile, after a mysterious new meta-human attacks Central City, Barry tries to convince Julian to let him assist on the case.

Final Thoughts:

So Caitlin runs off to have her mom check her out, through out the episode we see her transfer between nice and friendly Caitlin into the Killer Frost version of the character we saw in the earth two episode. This was a big part of this weeks episode and I am assuming this means we should be seeing Killer Frost soon.

Then we had the issues really come to head between julian and Barry, first we see Julian trying to get Barry fired only to team up with him later to assist on a Meta-Human case. We really got an in-depth view into the life of Julian and what really motivates him to solve these Meta-Human cases. Im not sure how this really fits into the rest of the story, his character so far seems to be more of a nuisance for Barry than anything else.

Finally, we touched on the new Harrison Wells. While the rest of the team has been open to the idea of HR, Cisco from the start seems bothered by him. While HR always is talking, there never seem to be any substance to his thoughts. When Barry finally questions what HR is really brining to the the team, we learn that there really is an alternative motive for HR to come to Earth-1, But fortunately for the team its not sinister but rather he is an author but not a scientist. I have to say this is a very disappointing turn, not only is he an eccentric person but no longer really offers much in the realm of support for Barry and the star labs team. More and more each week I am missing Earth-2 Harry.

Let us know your thoughts on the 5th episode of The Flash and Leave your comments below.

The Accountant - Box Office Review

One complaint I hear from people that talk movies with me is that the theaters are filled with sequels or reboots. I am led to believe that when original films come out people will rush to the movies because they’re finally getting what they ask for. This isn’t always the case and occasionally an original story that comes out that can both entertain and surprise the audience. So let’s dive in and take a look at my thoughts of “The Accountant” in this box office review…

Ben Affleck plays a grown man who has a form of autism that turns him into a super math genius. He’s able to calculate equations at incredible speeds and with ease however he has to finish the equation or he falls into a bit of panic and stress. His father, retired military, raised him to overcome his autism and to face life in the manner that life would face him. He’s hyper-intelligent, focused and calculating and a definite threat to anyone who wishes him harm, or worse.

I was pleased with the story however the characters felt a bit one dimensional. This didn’t bother me much considering all but John Lithgow and John Bernthal’s characters felt one dimensional. So, if everyone is a bit flat it stands to reason that they were directed to feel flat. That being said, the subtle nuisances of the characters were powerful. The flatness of the characters really made the subtle gestures, looks and reactions feel more pronounced and that was a great decision by the director. I enjoyed all the performances in this film and the action sequences did not disappoint.

The overall story is what one would expect from an accountant for the worlds worst. Eventually, someone is going to want him dead and so the story progresses. What’s great about this particular story though is how everything eventually makes sense by the end of the film and the surprises were refreshing. The overall story isn’t complicated but the way the story is told is creative. I walked out of the theater saying, “oh that’s why…” and “that twist was perfect.” I had some reservations walking into the theater but walked out feeling satisfied and entertained.

“The Accountant” is in theaters now! I definitely recommend you see this in theaters. This is the film people ask for when they express their frustrations about reboots and sequels taking up all the theaters. This is a movie for those who enjoy action. This is a movie for those of us who enjoy plot twists and surprises. This is a movie for those of us who enjoy a well written story. Go see this film!

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Inferno - Box Office Review

Ron Howard and Tom Hanks step back into the world of Dan Brown novels as we get the third film in the franchise, Inferno. If you’ve been enjoying the first two films this won’t seem like much of a departure however there are some distinct differences in how the story is told. So let’s dive in and take a look at my thoughts of “Inferno” in this box office review…

First we’ll start with how the visuals in this story had their own unique look to the trilogy. This film had an almost horror vibe to it in the depiction of apocalyptic events and plagues. However, by the end of the film it falls back in line with how the first two films in the franchise appear. This felt like two different movies. Once we get past the distorted reality that our main character Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) passes through the movie looks like a well shot crime/mystery tale that we’re familiar with from “Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons.” The color choices used in this film elevate the third act as we see the team searching through a cavern, filled with an orchestra performing a concert, where the waters are almost blood red. This is a visually delightful movie.

Next, the casting in this film is top notch. When I saw Ben Foster was cast I became immediately intrigued. This guy takes every role he accepts and elevates my enjoyment of the film by his talented portrayal of whomever he is representing. In the trailer we see that he jumps off a building to his death but I’m happy to report that he is prevalent throughout the film. Ben Foster fans need not worry about his screen time being minimal. Next, Felicity Jones, Omar Sy and Irrfan Khan add depth to the casting. I wasn’t aware walking in how much I would enjoy this film but the casting has plenty of talent that make each character more believable than was probably needed and that’s ok.

“Inferno” is in theaters now! I’m not sure I’d recommend this film as a big screen viewing. The beginning uses a lot of jump cut scenes that made me feel disoriented. I understand the main character was feeling that but I didn’t need to be taken on the journey that intimate. I found the story not written, necessarily, as a 3 part play but two separate stories and the visuals also feel the same. It’s my favorite of the three only because of the originality used in the visuals and complex twist the film takes in what I’m assuming is the third act. However, at best this film is only mediocre and I’m not comfortable recommending you spend your hard earned dollars on box office ticket prices.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Act 184: Okay, Let's Start Now

Masked Blogster and the usual group talk about Logan, the news about Deadpool and Cable, wrestling, villains and WIZ.

To listen, click here. To download, right click and "Save As..."

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.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Act 183: Boneless Cheese Quesadilla

Masked Blogster and the gang discuss Ant-Man, Phoenix FanFest, Comikaze and the excitement for Dr. Strange.

To listen, click here. To download, right click and "Save As..."

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.

Pages

Friday, November 18, 2016

Supergirl Review: Season 2 Episode 5 "Crossfire"

Act 185: Who Is President?

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Legends of Tomorrow Review: Season 2 Episode 4 "Abominations"

Doctor Strange - Box Office Review

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Arrow Review: Season 5 Episode 5 "Human Target"

The Flash Review: Season 3 Episode 5 "Monster"

The Accountant - Box Office Review

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Inferno - Box Office Review

Friday, November 11, 2016

Act 184: Okay, Let's Start Now

Friday, November 4, 2016

Act 183: Boneless Cheese Quesadilla

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