[Sadly, I wasn't able to attend the recording of the episode dedicated to X-Men: The Last Stand, so here's my review.]
Some nights I am still haunted by the squandered potential of Brett Ratner's X-Men: The Last Stand. Some point their finger at The Matrix sequels or the Star Wars prequels as the biggest disappointment of our generation, but I am inclined to give that distinction to Ratner's entry in the X-Men franchise. Given the huge momentum built by the first two films, a third X-Men film had the potential to be something as great as 2012's Marvel's The Avengers; the sheer amount of missed opportunities in The Last Stand absolutely mind-boggling. When original series director Bryan Singer jumped ship to helm Superman Returns, Marvel – in what can only be described as a ballsy, spite-fueled move – hired yes-man director/professional douchebag Brett Ratner (the Rush Hour films, Red Dragon) and rushed The Last Stand into production.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Monday, 19 November 2012
Reviews@24 Panels: X2: X-MEN UNITED (2003)
The X-Men franchise hit its stride in 2003 with the sequel X2: X-Men United. Again directed by Bryan Singer, X2 is one of those rare sequels that builds on the framework of the first film and out-does its predecessor. Singer seemingly identified the weaknesses of 2000′s X-Men and fixed those problems, while taking everything that worked with the film and broadening the scope. Like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan before it, X2 makes good on the promise of the original (indeed, the film recalls The Wrath of Khan on more than one occasion - but perhaps more on that another time).
Labels:
Brian Cox,
Bryan Singer,
film review,
wolverine,
x-men,
X2
Thursday, 15 November 2012
Reviews@24 Panels: X-MEN (2000)
[To sort of piggy-back on the episode of X-Men: The Last Stand, I thought I would go back and revisit all five of the X-Men films.]
The X-Men comics have long been one of the most politically-charged series, giving the film franchise the potential to do the same. Released in 2000, Bryan Singer's X-Men focuses on the origins and introductions of a handful of characters familiar to comics readers: Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Rogue (Anna Paquin), Cyclops (James Marsden), Storm (Halle Berry), Jean Grey (Famke Jannsen), among others. The plot of the film hinges on a plan by Senator Robert Kelley (Bruce Davison) to enact a Mutant Registration Act, whereby mutants are to be publicly identified or “outed,” if you will. Professor X and Magneto have opposing approaches on the advocation of mutant rights, echoing Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
The X-Men comics have long been one of the most politically-charged series, giving the film franchise the potential to do the same. Released in 2000, Bryan Singer's X-Men focuses on the origins and introductions of a handful of characters familiar to comics readers: Professor X (Patrick Stewart), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Wolverine (Hugh Jackman), Rogue (Anna Paquin), Cyclops (James Marsden), Storm (Halle Berry), Jean Grey (Famke Jannsen), among others. The plot of the film hinges on a plan by Senator Robert Kelley (Bruce Davison) to enact a Mutant Registration Act, whereby mutants are to be publicly identified or “outed,” if you will. Professor X and Magneto have opposing approaches on the advocation of mutant rights, echoing Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
Labels:
2000,
Bryan Singer,
film review,
Magneto,
Marvel,
Professor X,
wolverine,
x-men
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Episode 38. X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (2006)
Episode breakdown:
0:00 - 20:51: Intro banter (Dru's outrage, shoe sizes, old man socks, the bee hunt)
20:51 - 21:42: X-Men: The Last Stand trailer
21:42 - 1:35:32: Main discussion: X-Men: The Last Stand
1:35:32 - 1:44:01: Closing remarks
- Check out episode 73 of the /Filmcast, where X2 co-screenwriter Mike Dougherty explains what was planned for the Bryan Singer-directed X3 before he jumped ship to direct Superman Returns.
- Highlander: The Card Game. There can be only one deck!
Send all feedback to twentyfourpanels@gmail.com. Stay up to date with our blogs at 24panelspersecond.blogspot.com and 24panels.tumblr.com. Follow Dave on Twitter @24panels and Dru @violetbooth. Remember that Dave live-tweets a different comic book movie every Saturday night at 11PM! Like us on Facebook. And don't forget to subscribe (and review us) in iTunes!
Next time on 24 Panels: Who watches the Watchmen? (...We will.)
Labels:
2006,
brett ratner,
hugh jackman,
Marvel,
politics,
the last stand,
wolverine,
x-men,
x3
Monday, 12 November 2012
PREVIEW POST: X-Men: The Last Stand
Yes folks, Dru and Dave are back, and just in time for the
American Presidential election!
Wait, what’s that? Already over? Last week?
OK, so we're a bit behind on the times, but our "Comics Go to
Washington" series is still timely, right? Right?
Sigh.
Anyway, we are kicking the series off with the 2006 film, X-Men: The Last Stand! Hit the jump for more.
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Episode 37. SUPERMAN VS. THE ELITE (2012)
Episode breakdown:
0:00 - 15:05: Intro banter (including Dru's absence, The Wolverine and X-Men: Days of Future Past movie news)
15:05 - 16:07: Superman vs. the Elite trailer
16:07 - 1:22:13: Main discussion: Superman vs. the Elite
1:22:13 - 1:31:24: Closing remarks (next series revealed!)
Send all feedback to twentyfourpanels@gmail.com. Stay up to date with our blogs at 24panelspersecond.blogspot.com and 24panels.tumblr.com. Follow Dave on Twitter @24panels and Dru @violetbooth. Remember that Dave live-tweets a different comic book movie every Saturday night at 11PM! Like us on Facebook. And don't forget to subscribe (and review us) in iTunes!
Next time on 24 Panels: X-Men: The Last Stand...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)