(06-05-2017 06:50 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

Just curious, what was your take on Alien: Covenant? I saw it with my son and enjoyed it. I thought it got back to the original film in style, plot and visual effects. I am a fan of the franchise but the Alien vs. Predator movies are my least favorite in the series.

It seems like the franchise is forever chasing the greatness of its first two movies.

I liked Covenant... I liked a lot of elements in it... I liked some of the story elements.... but it felt was missing "the thing".... "the thing" to make it great.

(06-05-2017 06:50 PM)UCGrad1992 Wrote:  

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

Just curious, what was your take on Alien: Covenant? I saw it with my son and enjoyed it. I thought it got back to the original film in style, plot and visual effects. I am a fan of the franchise but the Alien vs. Predator movies are my least favorite in the series.

Honestly, I thought it was a bit boring. None of the characters (besides David) were particularly interesting or gave you the feeling of connection. I also thought the "twist" at the end was completely transparent.

What made the original SO good was good story telling, characters you were interested in, a huge amount of intensity and suspense, and an unforeseen twist.

Covenant was OK, but I couldn't help but think it could have been so much better.

(06-05-2017 09:08 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  It seems like the franchise is forever chasing the greatness of its first two movies.

I liked Covenant... I liked a lot of elements in it... I liked some of the story elements.... but it felt was missing "the thing".... "the thing" to make it great.

IMHO the original movie set a very high bar because it was nothing like any horror/science fiction movie at that time or made before it. I mean, the stomach birth scene watched for the first time was mind blowing and disturbing for 1979. The storyline/plot, special effects (particularly the face-gripper and alien) and suspense was gripping because you didn't know what was going to happen when the crew discovered the crashed space ship or what they were exactly dealing with in terms of the alien and it characteristics. Now, the "shock value" of the alien species and how they evolve and survive is more known.

(06-06-2017 06:34 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  Honestly, I thought it was a bit boring. None of the characters (besides David) were particularly interesting or gave you the feeling of connection. I also thought the "twist" at the end was completely transparent.

What made the original SO good was good story telling, characters you were interested in, a huge amount of intensity and suspense, and an unforeseen twist.

Covenant was OK, but I couldn't help but think it could have been so much better.

See comments above. I was definitely not bored. I thought the action and intensity was pretty steady throughout the movie. The "twist" continues to be the "older species" in the timeline of the story and how they evolved. I thought it was interesting that the the "engineer's virus" absorbed into plant life and it was released into a living animal/human being to start the cycle of the pre-alien species. David crossbred and developed the face gripper eggs to start the generation of post-alien species that we are most familiar with. In any event, like music, movies are in the "eyes" (not ears) of the beholder.

Baywatch.

I would pass on this one. It relies heavily on non-existent chemistry between Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. Predictable plot. Poorly placed humor. Not enough T&A. I doubt there is enough T&A in Hollywood to save this movie.

Finished Arrow S6 on Netflix...

I must say, I have gotten into this show. I really like the blend of back story to current story stuff they have done so far, which, for S7 should be done with as the finally get him to getting off the Island as part of those flashbacks. I don't think that element can be underestimated a key for the show. The end end kind of ticked me off... too much build up for that cliffhanger. ...But that should make the start of S7 really interesting.


Now getting back into Flash S3...

I like the show so far, and the characters.... but the one thing that bugs me about The Flash's deal is.... with these speedsters able to bend time and thus allowing for alternate timelines, alternate Earth's, alternate versions of themselves.... It seems like the level of complexity in handling all that can really be a huge issue with story telling elements. I mean someone or something out of Earth _ can come over to your Earth _ and start some sh* and a Speedster could reset timelines any time they wanted....

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

I saw Wonder Woman this weekend and it was really good. I think it was better than some Avengers movies. The character development was there with a decent pace for the movie. The Gal Gadot and Chris Pine had chemistry and the fight scenes were really good.

It doesn't hurt that Gal Gadot is a goddess

(06-11-2017 07:58 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  Finished Arrow S6 on Netflix...

I must say, I have gotten into this show. I really like the blend of back story to current story stuff they have done so far, which, for S7 should be done with as the finally get him to getting off the Island as part of those flashbacks. I don't think that element can be underestimated a key for the show. The end end kind of ticked me off... too much build up for that cliffhanger. ...But that should make the start of S7 really interesting.

You mean you just finished S5, right? Or do you have access to some of that groovy time travel they're doing in The Flash? I agree that S5 was good and that S6 will benefit from being done with the flashbacks. I also agree the end of the finale was frustrating but for different reasons: 1) It was implausible in the extreme to think that enough bombs could be planted by such a small crew in such a short time to "destroy" the island, and 2) I really doubt they're killing off any key characters (but if they used this to do so, that's weak). My bet: Arrow's son's mom is the only one who dies, forcing William to become a plot complication for Oliver going forward.

Quote:Now getting back into Flash S3...

I like the show so far, and the characters.... but the one thing that bugs me about The Flash's deal is.... with these speedsters able to bend time and thus allowing for alternate timelines, alternate Earth's, alternate versions of themselves.... It seems like the level of complexity in handling all that can really be a huge issue with story telling elements. I mean someone or something out of Earth _ can come over to your Earth _ and start some sh* and a Speedster could reset timelines any time they wanted....

You'll see it get worse as S3 progresses. It's so convoluted that I'm about to quit on the show. They've basically rested all of Flash's exploits now on time travel related story lines and they're doing a TERRIBLE job of explaining them, for obvious reasons. I'm sure I'll watch the first episode of S4 to see where they're taking the story but if it looks like more time travel I'm probably out.

OK, saw The Mummy.

Not as bad as some were saying. Not as cheesy fun as the Brendan Fraser ones. Just OK I'd say.

I think they're trying to rebrand it back into the "horror" genre as to start the Dark Universe concept.

Probably a "C". If they want to continue their "universe" to compete with Monsterverse for example, then movie #2 needs to be better or it will die before it gets started.

One thing that did work is that Sofia Boutella, besides being HOT, is pretty decent as the creature.

(06-12-2017 07:06 AM)JTiger Wrote:  

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

I saw Wonder Woman this weekend and it was really good. I think it was better than some Avengers movies. The character development was there with a decent pace for the movie. The Gal Gadot and Chris Pine had chemistry and the fight scenes were really good.

It doesn't hurt that Gal Gadot is a goddess

You'll get no arguments from me about Gal.

The only problem (and that's a little harsh) I had was I kept thinking this reminded me a little too much of Captain America.

Superhero, German bad guys, group of "misfit" comrades, ultimate evil weapon, and a "supernatural" villain, "love" that ends badly. If were WWII, it would have been nothing short of theft.

(06-12-2017 10:39 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 07:06 AM)JTiger Wrote:  

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

I saw Wonder Woman this weekend and it was really good. I think it was better than some Avengers movies. The character development was there with a decent pace for the movie. The Gal Gadot and Chris Pine had chemistry and the fight scenes were really good.

It doesn't hurt that Gal Gadot is a goddess

You'll get no arguments from me about Gal.

The only problem (and that's a little harsh) I had was I kept thinking this reminded me a little too much of Captain America.

Superhero, German bad guys, group of "misfit" comrades, ultimate evil weapon, and a "supernatural" villain, "love" that ends badly. If were WWII, it would have been nothing short of theft.

I was thinking the same thing but instead of Hydra it was Dr. Poison

(06-12-2017 09:23 AM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  

(06-11-2017 07:58 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  Finished Arrow S6 on Netflix...

I must say, I have gotten into this show. I really like the blend of back story to current story stuff they have done so far, which, for S7 should be done with as the finally get him to getting off the Island as part of those flashbacks. I don't think that element can be underestimated a key for the show. The end end kind of ticked me off... too much build up for that cliffhanger. ...But that should make the start of S7 really interesting.

You mean you just finished S5, right? Or do you have access to some of that groovy time travel they're doing in The Flash? I agree that S5 was good and that S6 will benefit from being done with the flashbacks. I also agree the end of the finale was frustrating but for different reasons: 1) It was implausible in the extreme to think that enough bombs could be planted by such a small crew in such a short time to "destroy" the island, and 2) I really doubt they're killing off any key characters (but if they used this to do so, that's weak). My bet: Arrow's son's mom is the only one who dies, forcing William to become a plot complication for Oliver going forward.

Yeah, I guess it was S5. Hmmm well Slade Wilson was supposed to lead them to that bunker...they're all alive in the bunker is my guess LOL.

Quote:Now getting back into Flash S3...

I like the show so far, and the characters.... but the one thing that bugs me about The Flash's deal is.... with these speedsters able to bend time and thus allowing for alternate timelines, alternate Earth's, alternate versions of themselves.... It seems like the level of complexity in handling all that can really be a huge issue with story telling elements. I mean someone or something out of Earth _ can come over to your Earth _ and start some sh* and a Speedster could reset timelines any time they wanted....

You'll see it get worse as S3 progresses. It's so convoluted that I'm about to quit on the show. They've basically rested all of Flash's exploits now on time travel related story lines and they're doing a TERRIBLE job of explaining them, for obvious reasons. I'm sure I'll watch the first episode of S4 to see where they're taking the story but if it looks like more time travel I'm probably out.

I'm talking about The Flash in general.... if time travel, Flashpoints, alternate universes/multiverses, ect. can be enacted by any speedster in this universe then there is a never ending level to complexity of the issues with using time travel as a mechanic.

(06-12-2017 12:12 PM)JTiger Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 10:39 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 07:06 AM)JTiger Wrote:  

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

I saw Wonder Woman this weekend and it was really good. I think it was better than some Avengers movies. The character development was there with a decent pace for the movie. The Gal Gadot and Chris Pine had chemistry and the fight scenes were really good.

It doesn't hurt that Gal Gadot is a goddess

You'll get no arguments from me about Gal.

The only problem (and that's a little harsh) I had was I kept thinking this reminded me a little too much of Captain America.

Superhero, German bad guys, group of "misfit" comrades, ultimate evil weapon, and a "supernatural" villain, "love" that ends badly. If were WWII, it would have been nothing short of theft.

I was thinking the same thing but instead of Hydra it was Dr. Poison

Heh.... can't say I didn't feel the same.... but then again.... were their "origin" stories really at around the same time(s)? If so, then I have no beef.

(06-12-2017 10:34 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  OK, saw The Mummy.

Not as bad as some were saying. Not as cheesy fun as the Brendan Fraser ones. Just OK I'd say.

I think they're trying to rebrand it back into the "horror" genre as to start the Dark Universe concept.

Probably a "C". If they want to continue their "universe" to compete with Monsterverse for example, then movie #2 needs to be better or it will die before it gets started.

One thing that did work is that Sofia Boutella, besides being HOT, is pretty decent as the creature.

Maybe not as bad... but ya know... I never liked the new originals.... I did marginally like 2... till the bad ending with the Scorpion King .... 3 with Jet Li wasn't too bad... probably my favorite of the 3....but I could tell this reboot was going to be suspect... and box office and review wise my thoughts are being proven true.

(06-13-2017 12:43 AM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 09:23 AM)Brookes Owl Wrote:  

(06-11-2017 07:58 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  Finished Arrow S6 on Netflix...

I must say, I have gotten into this show. I really like the blend of back story to current story stuff they have done so far, which, for S7 should be done with as the finally get him to getting off the Island as part of those flashbacks. I don't think that element can be underestimated a key for the show. The end end kind of ticked me off... too much build up for that cliffhanger. ...But that should make the start of S7 really interesting.

You mean you just finished S5, right? Or do you have access to some of that groovy time travel they're doing in The Flash? I agree that S5 was good and that S6 will benefit from being done with the flashbacks. I also agree the end of the finale was frustrating but for different reasons: 1) It was implausible in the extreme to think that enough bombs could be planted by such a small crew in such a short time to "destroy" the island, and 2) I really doubt they're killing off any key characters (but if they used this to do so, that's weak). My bet: Arrow's son's mom is the only one who dies, forcing William to become a plot complication for Oliver going forward.

Yeah, I guess it was S5. Hmmm well Slade Wilson was supposed to lead them to that bunker...they're all alive in the bunker is my guess LOL.

Quote:Now getting back into Flash S3...

I like the show so far, and the characters.... but the one thing that bugs me about The Flash's deal is.... with these speedsters able to bend time and thus allowing for alternate timelines, alternate Earth's, alternate versions of themselves.... It seems like the level of complexity in handling all that can really be a huge issue with story telling elements. I mean someone or something out of Earth _ can come over to your Earth _ and start some sh* and a Speedster could reset timelines any time they wanted....

You'll see it get worse as S3 progresses. It's so convoluted that I'm about to quit on the show. They've basically rested all of Flash's exploits now on time travel related story lines and they're doing a TERRIBLE job of explaining them, for obvious reasons. I'm sure I'll watch the first episode of S4 to see where they're taking the story but if it looks like more time travel I'm probably out.

I'm talking about The Flash in general.... if time travel, Flashpoints, alternate universes/multiverses, ect. can be enacted by any speedster in this universe then there is a never ending level to complexity of the issues with using time travel as a mechanic.

I thought this season of Arrow was pretty good. The last couple were a bit boring to be blunt, but they did a nice job rebounding. I'm rather upset that seemingly killed off Malcolm Merlyn. Anything with John Barrowman is automatically better just because he's in it. I do wish people would back off Felicity. I know she's polarizing, but I'm firmly in team smart hottie. Oh, another thing, enough with the Laurel Lance thing, kill her off already.

As for the Flash, the lack of story is made up for by it being so much damn fun. It wasn't much of a cliffhanger because it will be hard to have a show called The Flash without the Flash. My hope is that they give next season a legitimate villain who isn't yet another speedster. I also hope they decide to quit f-ing with Harrison Wells/HR. He's arguably the best character on the show.

Now if you really want a blast, season 2 of Legends was awesome.

(06-13-2017 09:33 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought this season of Arrow was pretty good. The last couple were a bit boring to be blunt, but they did a nice job rebounding. I'm rather upset that seemingly killed off Malcolm Merlyn. Anything with John Barrowman is automatically better just because he's in it. I do wish people would back off Felicity. I know she's polarizing, but I'm firmly in team smart hottie. Oh, another thing, enough with the Laurel Lance thing, kill her off already.

As for the Flash, the lack of story is made up for by it being so much damn fun. It wasn't much of a cliffhanger because it will be hard to have a show called The Flash without the Flash. My hope is that they give next season a legitimate villain who isn't yet another speedster. I also hope they decide to quit f-ing with Harrison Wells/HR. He's arguably the best character on the show.

Now if you really want a blast, season 2 of Legends was awesome.

10000000000000000% with you on the Laurel Lance thing.... That said, I have no background on how she was handled in the comics so... I wonder if the girl playing her either had some personal or contractual issues that made them convolute her like they did.

Felicity is fine. The circular love interest relationship between the two they keep doing though is starting to wear thin on me.

(06-12-2017 10:39 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 07:06 AM)JTiger Wrote:  

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

I saw Wonder Woman this weekend and it was really good. I think it was better than some Avengers movies. The character development was there with a decent pace for the movie. The Gal Gadot and Chris Pine had chemistry and the fight scenes were really good.

It doesn't hurt that Gal Gadot is a goddess

You'll get no arguments from me about Gal.

The only problem (and that's a little harsh) I had was I kept thinking this reminded me a little too much of Captain America.

Superhero, German bad guys, group of "misfit" comrades, ultimate evil weapon, and a "supernatural" villain, "love" that ends badly. If were WWII, it would have been nothing short of theft.

Went and saw WW last night. While I agree the story was very Capt America, it was still entertaining and a movie the DCEU needed badly. IMO Chris Pine did a great job and worked well with Gal Gadot. I'm not really sure why they went with Ann Wolfe as Artemis and has no Phillipus, but that's a minor nitpick.

I suppose since Trevor died in this Dilm that the Extended Universe is going to go with GL John Stewart.

(06-14-2017 06:02 AM)vandiver49 Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 10:39 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 07:06 AM)JTiger Wrote:  

(06-05-2017 11:12 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought Wonder Woman was pretty good. Not as good as GoG II or Logan, but FAR better than Alien: Covenant or Pirates.....

I saw Wonder Woman this weekend and it was really good. I think it was better than some Avengers movies. The character development was there with a decent pace for the movie. The Gal Gadot and Chris Pine had chemistry and the fight scenes were really good.

It doesn't hurt that Gal Gadot is a goddess

You'll get no arguments from me about Gal.

The only problem (and that's a little harsh) I had was I kept thinking this reminded me a little too much of Captain America.

Superhero, German bad guys, group of "misfit" comrades, ultimate evil weapon, and a "supernatural" villain, "love" that ends badly. If were WWII, it would have been nothing short of theft.

Went and saw WW last night. While I agree the story was very Capt America, it was still entertaining and a movie the DCEU needed badly. IMO Chris Pine did a great job and worked well with Gal Gadot. I'm not really sure why they went with Ann Wolfe as Artemis and has no Phillipus, but that's a minor nitpick.

I suppose since Trevor died in this Dilm that the Extended Universe is going to go with GL John Stewart.

Completely agree that the DCEU needed to do this one right. After the less than acclaimed Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad, they needed a "hit" to lead the way into the rest of the movies in that universe.

I get the feeling Justice League will either be awesome or a complete disaster, can't see much of a middle ground.

(06-13-2017 09:44 AM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  

(06-13-2017 09:33 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  I thought this season of Arrow was pretty good. The last couple were a bit boring to be blunt, but they did a nice job rebounding. I'm rather upset that seemingly killed off Malcolm Merlyn. Anything with John Barrowman is automatically better just because he's in it. I do wish people would back off Felicity. I know she's polarizing, but I'm firmly in team smart hottie. Oh, another thing, enough with the Laurel Lance thing, kill her off already.

As for the Flash, the lack of story is made up for by it being so much damn fun. It wasn't much of a cliffhanger because it will be hard to have a show called The Flash without the Flash. My hope is that they give next season a legitimate villain who isn't yet another speedster. I also hope they decide to quit f-ing with Harrison Wells/HR. He's arguably the best character on the show.

Now if you really want a blast, season 2 of Legends was awesome.

10000000000000000% with you on the Laurel Lance thing.... That said, I have no background on how she was handled in the comics so... I wonder if the girl playing her either had some personal or contractual issues that made them convolute her like they did.

Felicity is fine. The circular love interest relationship between the two they keep doing though is starting to wear thin on me.

Get used to Laurel Lance - she's gonna be back as a regular cast member again. The benefits (perils!) of telling stories in a multiverse. I don't think how these things were handled in the comics has any bearing on the show. They've already demonstrated a willingness to tell all new stories with new characters that didn't come from the comics. The TV show is basically a reboot.

Re Harrison Wells, he's not just the best character - Tom Cavanagh is the best actor on the show (ok, maybe he and Jesse Martin [Joe West] are 1 and 1a).

Re Barrowman/Merlyn, as soon as I saw the show I assumed he'd be back because we didn't SEE him die. But Barrowman actually announced he was out via instagram, right after the show aired.

(06-12-2017 10:34 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  OK, saw The Mummy.

Not as bad as some were saying. Not as cheesy fun as the Brendan Fraser ones. Just OK I'd say.

I think they're trying to rebrand it back into the "horror" genre as to start the Dark Universe concept.

Probably a "C". If they want to continue their "universe" to compete with Monsterverse for example, then movie #2 needs to be better or it will die before it gets started.

One thing that did work is that Sofia Boutella, besides being HOT, is pretty decent as the creature.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/cruise-was-i...the-mummy/

Sounds pretty bad for The Mummy.

(06-15-2017 11:04 PM)PirateTreasureNC Wrote:  

(06-12-2017 10:34 AM)BadgerMJ Wrote:  OK, saw The Mummy.

Not as bad as some were saying. Not as cheesy fun as the Brendan Fraser ones. Just OK I'd say.

I think they're trying to rebrand it back into the "horror" genre as to start the Dark Universe concept.

Probably a "C". If they want to continue their "universe" to compete with Monsterverse for example, then movie #2 needs to be better or it will die before it gets started.

One thing that did work is that Sofia Boutella, besides being HOT, is pretty decent as the creature.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/cruise-was-i...the-mummy/

Sounds pretty bad for The Mummy.

The concept was pretty good on paper.

1) Start your new "universe" with a classic creature
2) Get one of the world's biggest, most bankable stars to sign on as the lead.
3) Try and go back to the theme of action, suspense, horror instead of the action comedy genre the last films gravitated toward.

All sounds good on paper but the reality was something quite different.

Sometimes even the best laid plans fail.