Avengers: Age of Ultron Character Posters!

New posters for Avengers: Age of Ultron film are here, along with some character posters, and they offer insight as to which of the Marvel heroes are the main draw for audiences depending on region. Even though I cannot confirm this, there are two official posters for the film, both of which are below, and there are few noteworthy differences. Aside from the background for the second one being less cluttered, Captain America is in front of all the other characters in the main poster. The first poster is definitely made for North America, since the date is May 1st, whereas the other is probably for other English speaking markets. The fact that Cap is in the front clearly shows how The Winter Soldier completely changed everyone's opinion of Captain America as a character. As you can see on the original Avengers poster below, Iron Man is the center with Thor second and Cap in the back with Black Widow and the others. With The Winter Soldier's financial and critical success, Captain America is now "cool," and as someone who has been a Captain America fan since childhood, I am glad to see the character as Marvel's number one hero (at least in the US). As for the poster itself, it is really clustered with too much stuff everywhere and the way the characters are inserted into the poster make it look like a fan-made poster. It is not a bad poster per se, but the original Avengers poster looks so much better. The character posters all look relatively good as expected, especially Black Widow's one. Please let me know what you think of the posters in the comments below! 

P.S. As you may already know, I am avoiding trailers and any spoilers about Age of Ultron, so please refrain from posting spoilers.

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Jason Momoa as Aquaman Official Picture

The first official pictures of Jason Momoa as Aquaman in DC's upcoming films, presumably Batman v Superman, is here! Yes, I realize that this is old news, but I had a cold for the last week, so I am behind on all this stuff. Anyway, this looks more or less like we would expect a Jason Momoa as Aquaman would turn out. It is kind of a hybrid of the 90s and early 00s Aquaman from my era combined with Momoa's role in Game on Thrones (well, somewhat). Of course, the colors are washed out and dull, while that may just be because of the filters used on the picture, DC is trying their hardest to make the most visually dull and uninteresting heroes possible, and they are certainly succeeding in that respect. However, of all the costumes revealed thus far, this is my favorite since he does look bad*ss. Ever since watching Jason Momoa in Stargate Atlantis, I have always liked the actor, so out of the casting choices DC has made, he is also my favorite. Sure, this Aquaman bears little resemblance with most comic book incarnations, but to paraphrase Jeremy Jahns, how many people are actually Aquaman fans? Ever since the Super Friends, he is essentially a joke, so it will take a lot to make him cool, and DC is trying just that. Also, to be clear, until I either watch Batman v Superman or see a mind-blowing trailer, nothing will make care all that much about these upcoming DC films. We already know that they will likely be dull, colorless, and lacking in any of the charm that Marvel, or even DC's shows like The Flash and Arrow, contain, so we will just have to wait and see. Please let me know what you think of the Aquaman costume in the comments below!

Current Aquaman.

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Top 10 Comedies: Part 2

My Top 10 Comedies list continues with four more entries! Also, do not forget to check out the first part of the list by clicking here if you missed it.

7: The Other Guys

One of Will Ferrell's lesser known comedies, The Other Guys takes the standard buddy cop premise and delivers a personal cult classic of sorts.

Characterization: 7.7/10- Despite being a comedy, the two main characters, Gator and Terry, actually have some decent character drama thrown in amidst the comedy. Of course, it is not on the level as some truly classic comedies, but it really does work.

Acting: 8.9/10- Will Ferrell gives the same reliably hilarious performance that you expect from him, and Mark Wahlberg gives my favorite performance from his career. However, the best part is the chemistry as the actors play off of each other. Plus, with guest stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Steve Coogan and Michael Keaton, how can it not be ridiculously funny!

Humor: 9.4/10- The Other Guys is the type of film had me laughing so much that it hurt. The jokes are not always the most clever, but the dialogue is some of the most quotable since Ghostbusters. Nearly five years after watching the first time, The Other Guys is a film that my family and I still quote to this day.

Overall: 8.3/10- The Other Guys might not be nearly as high on other comedy lists, but it is a comedic classic in my book that made me laugh, and when it comes to comedy, that is what matters most.

6: Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Despite my original review of Monty Python and the Holy Grail not being quite as positive as the opinion of others, since that review, my opinion of it is a lot more positive than before.

Plot: 7.6/10- The plot follows a comedic take on King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail, and as with most satirical films, the story is not all that important for anything other than delivering the comedy, and in that respect, it does so extremely well.

Comedy: 9.4/10- Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a treasure trove of unforgettable quotes, classic scenes, and hilarious satire! While some of the jokes do fall a bit flat, the ones that hit the mark are incredibly memorable. Whether it is King Arthur's duel with the Black Knight or the use of coconuts to create the sound of a horse's gallop, there are many parts of the film that I continue to quote and reference today, maybe even more so than any other film on this list. However, the humor is not quite as strong in the middle portion of the film compared to the first and last parts, although it is still humorous. Of course, the film's humor is very specific with its British wit and satirical comedy, so not everyone will find it funny.

Overall: 8.5/10- Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a classic through and through. From the unforgettable quotes to the hilarious satire, the film is just all around brilliant!

5: Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is the one comedy on this list that everyone probably has at least heard of, and most have seen, or at least should have seen by this point.

Plot: 9.7/10- Without a doubt, Groundhog Day's plot is the best ever for a comedy. The term "Groundhog Day" is used to refer any situation where a character relives the same day endlessly; it is ingrained in pop-culture. As for the execution, it is fantastic! Even though the movie slows down towards the end, the use and idea for the concept is positively brilliant!

Comedy: 9.2/10- Most of the humor comes from the use of the concept to create well written and hilarious situations. One might expect the film's repeat parts to get old, but it never does. Along with the repeat humor, Bill Murray's classic deadpan comedy is a highlight. 

Overall: 8.6/10- Groundhog Day is a comedy that everyone needs to watch at some point. It is ingrained in pop-culture, and the film itself is hilarious (obviously).

4: Shaun of the Dead

My first experience with an Edgar Wright film, Shaun of the Dead demonstrates how a comedy can be more than just funny.

Characterization: 8.7/10- Considering that most comedies have flat characters that are only present to create laughs, Shaun of the Dead's characters are surprisingly likable, and the main ones even have well written character arcs. Some dramas do not even feature characters this well written and memorable!

Humor: 9.4/10- Edgar Wright's brand of humor is British, and therefore, it is dry and witty rather than crude. Since humor is entirely subjective, if you do not like British humor, you will likely not enjoy Shaun of the Dead's comedy. On the other hand, if you are like me, then you should find the movie hilarious. The dialogue is well written, and Edgar Wright's quirky directorial style is bold and unlike anything else; I love it!

Overall: 8.7/10- Overall, Shaun of the Dead is a smart comedy with surprisingly well realized characters and a unique directorial style by Edgar Wright, which results in my favorite zombie flick to date. (You can click here for my full review.)

What do you think of my list thus far? Please comment below and let me know! Do not forget to check back soon for final part of this list.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Coming Soon: March 2015

Hello readers of J&J Productions! Welcome to another iteration of Coming Soon. Crazy to think we are now in the THIRD month of 2015...I feel like the year just began. Anyway, let's recap February and remember to click the titles for the Rath's Review of each!

Jupiter Ascending: You certainly can't deny that the Wachowski's have ambition, I just wish it would have resulted in a better film with some more innovative action. At least it looked really good! (Rath's Review Score: 6.5/10)

Seventh Son: Quickly being called by some the "worst of the year". It certainly didn't look all that enthralling and it turns out that the end product was something that was quite lacking. I'm glad I skipped this one.

Fifty Shades of Grey: It may have been one of the more awkward trips to the theater I've ever taken, but I actually came away from 50 Shades somewhat impressed, believe it or not. I read the book a long time ago and I found it to be garbage. Luckily, thanks to some humor, great cinematography, and an awesome soundtrack, the movie turned out to be slightly less horrendous. (RRS: 6/10)

Kingsman: The Secret Service: If you were a reader of last month's post you'd know that I love this film. I loved it so much I even saw it a second time in February and low and behold, it was just as good as the first time. (RRS: 9/10)

Hot Tub Time Machine 2: I've been able to skip seeing a TRULY atrocious film for a while now (it's been almost two years since Movie 43 and I'm still recovering). Unfortunately my luck ran out. Hot Tub Time Machine is extremely unfunny, boring, and honestly, a tad annoying. The only reason it got a point was because of the incredibly attractive female it features. (RRS: 1/10)

Focus:Will Smith's latest is cool, fun, and funny and I really enjoyed my time with it. It's a one time view for sure, but a great one at that (RRS: 8.5/10)

The Lazarus Effect: I figured this would be a stinker but THIS bad of a stinker? Makes me wonder how they got the star power of the cast to actually sign on. Critics have been blasting it for being dull and cliche, among other things.

Most Disappointing: Jupiter Ascending

Most Surprising: Focus

Worst Movie: Hot Tub Time Machine 2 by an incredibly wide margin

Best Movie: Can I say Kingsman again? Yes? Ok then...Kingsman

Now let's check out what films are headed your way in March. Remember to click the titles for their trailers!

Chappie -- Mar 6



Why It's Worth Seeing: For starters, it's from Neill Blomkamp and I've loved both his previous films, despite what people may say about Elysium. For starters, he is superb at filming action and he also is able to create realistic characters in these future worlds.

What Could Go Wrong: Chappie started off as a comedy, or so the early reports would indicate. The trailers make it seem much more serious in tone and I worry that the tone of the film might be a little uneven. There are signs of it in the trailer already.

Unfinished Business -- Mar 6



Why It's Worth Seeing: Vince Vaughn needs a win sooner or later...could it be this comedy? It features a stellar cast and fun premise. The trailers are funny enough to warrant a viewing I feel and it could be one of those films that has some smart marketing and doesn't give away all its best jokes in the trailer.

What Could Go Wrong: Vince Vaughn hasn't caught a break in a while and it seems as if he isn't choosing the best scripts lately. The trailers indicate that while this one might get "crazy" it might just not be all that funny in the process (looking at you Project X).

Cinderella -- Mar 13

Why It's Worth Seeing: Disney has been putting out some quality films lately and these live-action versions of their classics are always fun to watch. Early reviews indicate that this one is indeed, pretty magical.

What Could Go Wrong: It's a story we have all seen before...will Disney try to change the tale like they did in last year's decent Maleficent? I worry that it might be a bit of a bore.

Run All Night -- Mar 13



Why It's Worth Seeing: A Liam Neeson movie always has potential to be something special...or at least somewhat entertaining (think last year's Non-Stop)

What Could Go Wrong: I'm not sure if Neeson is desperate for scripts or what, but his last few films have left something to be desired. Taken 3 was pretty forgettable and A Walk Among the Tombstones was decent. But we certainly haven't had another The Grey for quite sometime now. To me, Run All Night doesn't look like the reprieve I seek.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent -- Mar 20



Why It's Worth Seeing: The books actually go to some pretty dark places and book two is where it starts that path. While certainly no Hunger Games, The Divergent Series is one of the better YA novels out there. If the movie can distance itself from the corny love story and focus on the larger plot, it should do fine.
What Could Go Wrong: I heard the first one was good, but not great. Either way, it's hard to see something going terribly wrong with this one. It's a solid story with a strong cast. That being said, I don't see anything that would push it into the "must see" category.

The Gunman -- Mar 20



Why It's Worth Seeing: Sean Penn decides to try on Liam Neeson's shoes with the team that was behind the original Taken. The film looks to be gritty and interesting at the very least.

What Could Go Wrong: I don't have a good gut feeling about this one. It feels desperate coming from Penn and Javier Bardem (the movie's villain), especially considering the March release date. This could always be a quick paycheck film for them.

Get Hard -- Mar 27



Why It's Worth Seeing: It's Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, two of the funniest guys on the planet right now. Not to mention, the premise is ripe for hilarious jokes and situations. Also, I think Will Ferrell is at his best when with a comedic partner (i.e. Step Brothers and The Other Guy). Hart and him will most likely make a hilarious team.

What Could Go Wrong: The screenplay seems pretty solid from the trailer so I'm going to say the script on this one. If too many of the jokes are written out, it will stifle the improv nature of these two guys and be much less funny because of it.

Must See (in order): Get Hard, Chappie

On My Radar: Unfinished Business, Cinderella, Run All Night, Insurgent

Predicted Duds: The Gunman

There's March! See you next month when the furious blockbuster season begins ;-) As always, I'd be really appreciative if you came and followed me through Blogger at RATH'S REVIEWS and like me on Facebook HERE! I follow-for-follow 100%. Thanks again!   

Hey everyone this is James, please be sure to check back tomorrow for the second part of my Top 10 Comedies list, and you can click here to check out the first part of the list.

New Post Signature

Today I unveil my new post signatures! Yeah, I know this is not much of a post, but my old post signature is outdated with my old screen name, "James Starslayer," which is not reflexive of my current penname, "James the Movie Reviewer," or just "James the Reviewer." Also, I have two new signatures: one for my usual posts about movies and such, and another one for my anime posts, Please let me know what you think of them in the comments, and even though I am changing now, some of my upcoming posts already have the old signature, so those will still have the old on them, if I forget to change it.

As anyone can notice, this is a picture of Han Solo, my favorite character ever, from Star Wars (1977). Since my profile picture on Blogger is Han, this seems like the right one to use, and come on, Han is the best!

A lesser known character, Shiroe is the protagonist of Log Horizon. While he might not be my favorite anime character ever, Shiroe reminds me of a much smarter and cooler version of myself. Plus, he wears glasses, and he is known as "The Villain in Glasses" in the series, even though he is a good guy, so yeah, he's awesome.

This is one that I made while trying to find the right picture for the final product. Han essentially holding the text looks kind of strange, so I ditched the idea, but I wanted to post it here for fun.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.