REVIEW: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Kathryn Newton as ‘Cassie Lang’ and Paul Rudd as ‘Scott Lang’ in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania — PHOTO: Marvel Studios / Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Directed by Peyton Reed — Screenplay by Jeff Loveness.

Trilogies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe aren’t really trilogies. You can’t watch the Iron Man or Captain America trilogies without knowing what happens in the Avengers films. Or, of course, you can, but it would be a strange exercise as those trilogy films eventually reference other films, are reliant on those other films’ setup, or are direct continuations of a film that isn’t technically in that very trilogy. This has also been true of the Ant-Man trilogy. If you just watch Ant-Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp (both directed by Peyton Reed), you’ll definitely have some questions about why Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang is under house arrest and about what the hell happened in the 2018 sequel’s mid-credits scene, in which most of the cast suddenly disappeared (thus stranding Scott Lang in the so-called Quantum Realm). Similarly, those who have decided to live under a rock (or simply ignore every other Marvel movie — including two of the biggest films of all time) would probably be really confused as to what happened between the 2018 sequel and this 2023 sequel. I suspect very few people would find themselves in that situation, but I mention all of this because the interconnected nature of the incredible achievement that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can be both very exciting and confusing depending on who you ask.

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REVIEWS: MCU Series on Disney+ – Year One (2021): ‘WandaVision,’ ‘Loki,’ ‘Hawkeye,’ and More

Paul Bettany as Vision in Marvel Studios’ WANDAVISION, exclusively on Disney+. — Photo: Disney+ / Marvel Studios.

Disney’s Marvel Studios — the masterminds and architects of the global cinematic sensation, the Marvel Cinematic Universe — now also spends a lot of time on TV/Streaming shows due to the arrival of the streaming service Disney+, which Disney knows can thrive on several shows aimed at the Marvel and Star Wars fandoms. In the first year with MCU content straight-to-Disney+, Disney and Marvel Studios gave us four live-action series and one premier animated show. In this article, I’ll take a look at each of the ‘first-year’ shows in bite-sized reviews.

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Top Ten TV-Shows of 2021

“For All Mankind,” now streaming on Apple TV+ — Photo: Apple TV+.

In 2021, both the film and television industries tried to play catch-up after films or seasons had been delayed and pushed out of 2020. This meant that Succession: Season Three finally came out this year, for example. But something new also happened in 2021. That year marked the debut of Disney+ Marvel Cinematic Universe Live-Action series, and we got a lot of those, most of which I really liked. So, today, let’s have a look at what shows I thought were the very best in 2021.

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IJR Awards 2021: Nominations, Pt. I – TV, Games, Music etc.

Today, I am revealing the first half of the 2021 nominations for my blog’s annual awards (I’m Jeffrey Rex Awards [IJR Awards]). The nominations that I will reveal today concern the television, video games, superhero, and music categories. The second half of the nominations — the film categories — will be revealed later in the month.

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Feige Announces MCU Phase Four at San Diego Comic-Con – Special Features #54

Some people in the industry may have been questioning the future viability of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe after the incredible infinity saga came to an end recently. If Spider-Man: Far From Home didn’t convince the naysayers, then what Kevin Feige and Marvel Studios announced last night certainly did. Today, let’s talk about the Marvel Studios announcements at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con. Continue reading “Feige Announces MCU Phase Four at San Diego Comic-Con – Special Features #54”

TRAILER RECAP: Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War – New Official Trailer

Your prayers have been answered, True Believers! The newest (and possibly final) official trailer for Avengers: Infinity War is here! We’ve got possible flashbacks, fun character interactions, and made-up names to talk about. So, let’s get to it!
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REVIEW: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

US Theatrical Release Poster – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The following is a review of Thor: Ragnarok – Directed by Taika Waititi

Are you the kind of person whose idea of a good time is watching a Norse God beat up countless of faceless goons on a rainbow bridge while Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song plays? If that is a ‘yes,’ then there is a pretty good chance that you are going to fall in love with Thor: Ragnarok, which also includes a scene where the Hulk fights a supersized wolf. It sounds too good to be true. It isn’t. Continue reading “REVIEW: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)”

TRAILER RECAP: Thor: Ragnarok – Teaser Trailer

Thor: Ragnarok is one of the most intriguing superhero films this year. It’s being directed by Taika Waititi, who is primarily known for What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The two previous Thor films were directed by, first, a fantastic Shakespearian actor-director and, then, a TV director most known for his work on Game of Thrones and The Sopranos. Based on this trailer, Waititi’s version may not take itself as seriously as one might’ve feared.
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Top Ten Movie Villains of 2012

'Wreck-It Ralph,' Buena Vista.
‘Wreck-It Ralph,’ Buena Vista.

The following list contains spoilers for films from 2012.

It’s week three of the Heroes and Villains period of Top Ten Tuesday, and that brings us to 2012. Do note that these characters aren’t solely ranked on how evil their actions are. Without further ado, here are the top ten movie villains of 2012.

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Top Ten Movie Villains of 2011

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two' Warner Bros.
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two’ Warner Bros.

The following list contains spoilers for films from 2011.

It’s week two of the Heroes and Villains period of Top Ten Tuesday, and that brings us to 2011. Do note that these characters aren’t solely ranked on how evil their actions are. Without further ado, here are the top ten movie villains of 2011.
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