Thoughts on movies, comic books, life, and other nonsense, by someone who should know better
Might as well get it out of the way early: I’m not a huge fan of the John Wick franchise. As much as I love how they’ve thrust Keanu Reeves back into the spotlight and made him relevant again, they don’t do much for me, which is kind of weird, because I like generally like action movies, and I’m also a fan of the actor. It should be a good combo … but for me, it isn’t.
I’m writing this review in the wake of a handful of “name” directors speaking up in the press about their dislike for the Marvel movies. As much as I enjoy them, everyone is entitled to their opinions, and while I don’t get the strength of their dislike (Coppola said they were despicable – surely there are bigger things in the world that justify that pejorative), they make a good point: by being so globally successful, their appeal blinds younger viewers to the power of cinema, the art of it. When all young people hear about is cinematic superheroes, the risk is that greater movies don’t gain traction in the minds of the next generation of moviegoers, who instead become conditioned to spectacle. If that happens, it will be a shame, because it leaves moviemakers like Robert Eggers relegated to that of niche status.
You know, when some people liken ANY science fiction movie to 2001: A Space Odyssey, I’m immediately skeptical. Not only is the Kubrick Klassic one of the few actual science fiction movies out there (sorry, Stars Trek and Wars don’t count), it also happens to be one of my all-time favourite films. So I was skeptical but curious enough to watch it. Admittedly though, the draw for me was Brad Pitt.
I have to go back to the summer of 1985 to a movie that inflamed so many Loud Voices to compare the phony hysteria currently surrounding the latest DC movie, Joker. That movie was Rambo: First Blood Part 2. The sequel to one of the greatest action movies of all time crossed the Atlantic on a tidal wave of what we now identify as hashtag-outrage. Ireland banned it, the rest of mainland Britain did not, so I was able to see it … and wonder what the fuss was all about. After today’s viewing of Joker, my reaction is basically the same.
AT THE FOOTHILLS OF MADNESS 