From NetFlix:
Marvel launches another super franchise with this action-packed origin story, which follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as he volunteers for a secret experiment during World War II. Transformed into a superhero named Captain America, Steve goes after the Axis. With his perfect physique and heightened reflexes — and his sidekick, Bucky (Sebastian Stan) — Steve battles the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), a super soldier created by Italian fascists.
Because of the “quality” of this film I have just invented a new category “Not Recommended”. But then any PG-13 rating is automatically suspect. Unless you are a 14 year old male, I can’t find any reason to watch this comic book. What was I thinking ?
Physically weak but patriotic and stupidly brave Steve enters a machine and comes out looking like a buff Chris Evans. Thereafter Steve and his trusty and invincible shield defeat every obstacle. Oddly enough he does NOT get the girl at the end of the movie. Serves him right for making such a ludicrous film!
Here we have ample demonstration that you can spend a lot a money to produce absolutely nothing of value.
From NetFlix:
Undercover FBI agent Frank Castle (Thomas Jane) is crushed when his wife and children are killed after accidentally witnessing a mafia hit. So with nothing left to lose or to live for, Castle becomes “The Punisher” — a one-man judge, jury and executioner. John Travolta, Laura Harring, Samantha Yathis and Rebecca Romijn-Stamos co-star in this moody action film based on the adventures of the popular Marvel Comics character.
Murderous Marvel Mayhem for Misguided MovieFans.
Yes, it is just kid stuff watching 35 year old Thomas Jane play a brooding, alcoholic Marvel comic “superhero”. So why would you ever watch this film ?
- You love violence and mayhem.
- You love revenge supposedly justified as “justice”.
- You love seeing our hero get beat up repeatedly and yet bouncing back each time.
- You love wondering just how our hero will escape from his latest predicament (and he always does in some clever fashion).
- You think John Travolta makes a super villain.
- Your hobby is exploding automobiles.
- You have nothing better to do.
From NetFlix:
Utilizing vivid black-and-white animation in this Golden Globe winner for Best Foreign Language Film, director Ari Folman documents his quest to explore the memory gaps in his life during his service for the Israeli army in the Lebanese war of the early 1980s. Recounting several story vignettes based on recorded interviews with colleagues and friends, Folman explores the horrors of war and the curious coping mechanisms that mankind uses to survive and function under brutal circumstances.
Not everyone enjoys animantion. However, from the limited viewpoint of watching a Graphic Novel, “Waltz with Bahir” was for me captivating. Just watching the faces was enjoyable.
But these comments are superficial. For the historical background of the 1980 war in Lebanon and of this film and the various reactions to the film you could read the ample article in Wikipedia.
Just be prepared for the final portion in which the animation is replaced by actual film footage of the horror.
Films Tony is comfortable recommending.
