‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011) a blast from the past
An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The MCU looks to the past to introduce a core character.
‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ (2011) a blast from the past
‘Angel’ flashback: ‘Not Forgotten’ (2000) (Book review)
Although “Buffy” was generally a slightly better TV show than “Angel,” I remember the “Angel” novels being consistently better than the “Buffy” novels. Because “Angel” was a less serialized concept, it was easy for authors to write a good old-fashioned detective yarn and have it fit into the timeline without any problems. In my re-read, […]
‘Thor’ (2011) makes clunky debut in the MCU
An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Thor gives the MCU an otherworldly addition.
‘Buffy’ flashback: ‘BTVS Classic’ Issues 39-46 and ‘Lost and Found’ (2001-02) (Comic book reviews)
Tom Fassbender and Jim Pascoe wrap up their run on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer Classic” with eight more issues that demonstrate their excellent knowledge of the TV show’s narrative and character arcs. They provide an emotional grace note to “The Body” (and Fabian Nicieza’s “Lost and Found” does the same for Buffy’s death) and give […]
‘Iron Man 2’ (2010) doesn’t distinguish itself from the original
An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The sequel repeats too many beats from the original.
John’s 10 favorite TV characters at the moment (Commentary)
It’s that time of year again for my list of favorite TV characters on shows that are currently airing or recently wrapped their season.
‘The Incredible Hulk’ (2008) not incredible, but not bad
An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): The Incredible Hulk is introduced into the MCU, albeit with an actor who wouldn’t return.
‘Buffy’ flashback: ‘The Book of Fours’ (2001) (Book review)
Nancy Holder intriguingly expands on Slayer mythology and simultaneously scoffs at established continuity in “The Book of Fours” (April 2001). But even if the idea that it fits into Season 3’s TV arcs is laughable, this third hardcover in the series is a delicious page-turner that daringly breaks free of narrative convention.
‘Iron Man’ (2008) modestly, confidently launches MCU
An outsider’s take on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Movie review): Downey’s character confidently launches the MCU.
All 13 ‘X-Men’ Universe films, ranked from worst to best
Movie commentary: Here are my rankings of all of Fox’s “X-Men” films, from 2000’s original through 2020’s “The New Mutants.”