Judge Nerdd: Reactions to Man of Steel Upset Me

Upon my exit of a midnight showing of Man of Steel, I couldn't help my delight. After five prior efforts, I finally got to see a Superman movie that legitimately put his super-powers on display. He heat-visioned, super-punched, and zipped across the screen in flashes of red and blue. I enjoyed Man of Steel. I truly did. And the main reason for my enjoyment is that it feels much more like a Sci-Fi movie than it does a four-color superhero one. Because that Supes movie has been done. Five times. And the last one flopped terribly, despite its charms. But before you think a Judge Nerdd sentencing is coming on, it isn't. This isn't a review. I’ve decided that I probably don’t want to write my opinions on nerd flicks for free. Because unless someone gives enough of a crap that they pay me to do it, putting up with the negativity that exists on the ole’ Internet isn’t worth the trouble. And in the days following Man of Steel’s release, I’ve witnessed negativity in true nerd-herd fashion.

"They do move in herds."

What annoys me terribly about the complaints I’ve seen regarding Man of Steel is that they’re from the same people who vent over Superman’s utterly bland personality and repetitive stories or have never actually read a Superman comic in their life. And I’m part of the prior. He’s boring. Always has been. It’s why I don’t buy any monthly Superman series and instead read what my dad picks up. (Which is still everything, bless him. He’s attached to Supes like I am to Spidey.) Superman is essentially Captain America without any life-or-death stakes whatsoever. They have to invent ways for him to be hurt, otherwise you’re stuck facing him with bad guys he can’t lay his fingers on. (Hey Lex.) This is why making a movie based on the most powerful being in the universe is such a hassle. 

So David Goyer dutifully makes an attempt to make this character not SUCK, and everyone has to rip him for it, as nerds are wont to do. Everyone bent themselves over and allowed The Dark Knight series to happen, even though that representation of Batman hardly mirrors the comic book. (Batman don't take eight years off, yo. And despite every supporting character's claim that he was married to his job, his decisions clearly spoke otherwise.) But guess what? That's what happens when you adapt a character like that to film. You make some alterations that make for a more interesting two hours and twenty minutes, as opposed to figuring out how to piecemeal exact and precise aspects of a lengthy print history.

What’s difficult to ignore is the sheer disdain people have for “choices” the director/writer makes. I know YOU wouldn’t write Zod as a soldier whose only driving force is the protection of his race. You’d make him a complex, emotional character who was torn apart by the fact that Kal-El IS a Kryptonian, but one that just murdered his own race. Zod would also have lost his mother at an early age to a terrible biking accident. And he’d also wear a sunflower necklace signaling his love of things that grow. He’d still have heat vision and super strength, because well, duh. Otherwise how is Supes gonna fight him? Oh, and you’d give him an hour of screen time all to himself for those necessary soliloquies. 

But guess what? YOU didn’t write this movie. Someone else got paid a crap-load of cash to pen this flick and this is what came of it. Just like someone in the 70’s wrote a terrible three issue arc of Superman where he battles wits with a chess prodigy. (Okay, maybe that wasn’t an actual plot, but it’s probably not too far off base.) Superman is a tremendously difficult character to make interesting, and he has the added dilemma of being an integral part of Americana. I give credit to Goyer for making an attempt at it, despite the always impending tongue-lashing. I’m honestly surprised ANYONE works on these movies. If there wasn’t a healthy pay-check involved, these flicks would be merely self-inflicted wounds on anyone of note that was involved. Because you know somewhere on the ‘net some a-hole is vehemently complaining that Lois Lane is a redhead in this movie. AS IF IT GODDAMN MATTERS. 

I love you Amy Adams. Pay these nincompoops no mind.

***SPOIL ZONE***

A metric ton of the arguments against Man of Steel stem from its conclusion, where Kal is forced to kill General Zod. After the destruction of his people, Zod has no other purpose than to now obliterate the people of Earth. Superman is forced to make a terrible choice in order to save the inhabitants of his adopted home-world. I don't have a problem with this ending in the slightest. 

If we actually analyze the character arc of a being that was still figuring out his true power level as well as the level of his own humanity, don’t you think he would accidentally/deliberately killed someone in his formative stages? (Which this Superman clearly is in when he decides to snap Zod’s neck.) Yeah, because his waiting 60 years to decide to kill someone makes a LOT more sense. It happened in the comic books people. Superman executed some perps. Deal with it. I’d much rather see him come to terms with his decision in the next movie and struggle to deal with his exponentially increasing power. Instead of all the teachings from his father (who isn’t actually his father), what if THAT moment of killing Zod is the traumatic experience that leads him to never kill again? Isn’t that a way more interesting character? Instead of just saying "Superman doesn't kill" and leaving it at that?

Oh, and sorry if his sorrow and post-death-dealing rage wasn’t dragged out enough for you, but would audiences have set records buying tickets for a 3 hour Superman flick? Nope. And even if you saw that version, you’d complain that there was too much “mopey Superman.” That’s a Kobayashi Maru if I’ve ever heard of one.

This story had to be told in one movie, because who knows if we’ll get another one? If you think the original Christopher Reeve Superman is perfect (and I see the argument), then WATCH THAT ONE OVER AND OVER AGAIN UNTIL YOUR EYES BLEED. That production was a perfect storm of qualities that can almost never be recreated. Man of Steel is supposed to different. It's supposed to take chances.Superman Returns flopped, and it was a near perfect translation of the Christopher Reeve/Richard Donner universe. (Super-kid aside.) It failed because we need to see Superman punch things on-screen and because the Donner universe made sense for film-making in the 70’s. The casual audience in 2013 don’t cotton to that family-friendly shit. So guess what? The studio took your opinion (evidenced by Dark Knight box-office totals) and flipped the switch on Supes for his latest on-screen iteration.

The studios have to make a movie that people will actually PAY TO SEE. God forbid that interferes with 75 years of a stale character’s development and continuity. I swear, I’d have an aneurysm if I got as worked up as some of you guys over comic book movies. We should feel lucky we even got another Superman movie after the way the last one performed. As far as superhero flicks go, there are some egregious offenders out there (Catwoman anyone?), but Man of Steel isn't one of them. The effects are top-notch, the dialogue isn’t clunky, the acting is solid (Cavill is excellent), and there aren’t gaping plot holes. Which makes it, by default, better than 70% of superhero flicks. Man of Steel isn’t terrible. YOU ‘RE terrible at making a coherent point without overtly exaggerating. (Also: your mom’s terrible.) 

I do understand that Metropolis' epic level of destruction is certainly over-the-top. I thank Zack Snyder for that one. But honestly, I loved it. We don't get to see anything like that in these movies. Even the buildings in The Avengers had it easy compared to MoS. It was a slug-fest between two outrageously powerful beings. It's just cooler if it happens in the middle of a city. If you guys want epic realism, don't watch comic book movies. (You'd think you'd know that by now.)

So my question really ends up being this: if everyone hated Superman Returns and everyone hates Man of Steel, what Superman flick would everyone NOT hate?

Oh, I know. The one that’s not about Superman.

I’m sorry to you upset fanboys/girls that can’t handle your shit when talking about MoS (or any other comic movie, for that matter), but you’re forgetting a real important point:

THESE MOVIES AREN’T JUST FOR YOU.

And know what else?

THEY NEVER WERE.

Almost no studio makes a film that is intended to appeal to ONE type of audience. Are there dumb action flicks that mostly appeal to guys? Totally. But those make a crap-ton of money and therefore keep being produced. But releasing a comic flick isn’t a license to print money yet. (Hi Green Lantern.) You have to hire a decent director. You must assemble a legitimate ensemble cast, otherwise Fandral fans are going to be up in arms. (Not that it stops them anyway.) Funds are drained in post-production on the special effects.

Because 75 minutes of flaming skull ain't cheap.

Money is poured into marketing so that nerds aren’t the only subset of the movie-going populace that knows about the film, because they won’t be enough to offset the $120 million budget. At this point you have a hella-expensive movie that needs butts in the seats. Making a Clark/Lois love-story deeply woven into a plot of intrigue, space exploration, and an examination of the human/Kryptonian psyche isn’t going to put said butts where they need to be. Especially if Superman doesn’t punch things into oblivion. And it doesn't even stop there!

Most nerds feel so entitled regarding their favorite character(s) that they actually are angered by a related film’s success. “Oh man, now everyone else likes him too.”

You’re an idiot. THAT”S THE BLOODY POINT. You know why fans of Booster Gold will never get a Booster Gold movie? Because he looks like a douche, is only mildly amusing, has barely any powers, and has a backstory that never comes to fruition. But the guy that created him? He thought Booster was the best. He wanted everyone to be a fan of his creation. He is disappointed that his intellectual property only rates as a mid-tier hero (at best) that can’t hold down an ongoing series, no matter how often DC pushes him.

But let’s get a little more personal with this example.

I love Spider-man. Anyone who has ever been in my bathroom knows this. (I’m not joking.) But I don't ever feel like I OWN Spider-man. (Even if I do.) When Spider-man 3 came out, I was a bit disappointed. It certainly hadn’t lived up to the previous installments. But I didn’t go on a ridiculously worded and inaccurate tirade about how TERRIBLE it was. At the time of its release, it was still a well above average superhero movie. It wasn’t Dolph Lundgren’s Punisher, for Odin’s sake. So I felt happy that at least I got another Spidey movie, even if it wasn’t THE BEST THING EVER. I always feel lucky that my favorite superhero is popular enough that he has an insane amount of merchandise for sale and has managed to be the focus of FOUR major studio releases (three of which are pretty damn good). Can you imagine if your favorite hero growing up was Speedball?

Good luck on getting that made into a pencil topper, much less a feature film.

I’m sorry if this sounds like I’m railing and ranting on everyone I know. But I am, for the most part. My sister (who is a true-blue Supes fan, obvious to anyone that’s been in our apartment) and I came away from Man of Steel with the same sentiments. Still, we find ourselves alone in a sea of criticism and bitchery. Can someone just throw me some Spidey arm-floaties? Is being a tad positive SO hard?

That's what I'm talking about!

I’m not writing this to incite a flame war or to talk down at anyone. All I want is for my friends to be able to actually enjoy these movies while they’re in vogue. I lived through about fifteen years where the only decent comic movies were Batman and Batman Returns. As for Spidey? Fuhgedaboudit. I had to rent the 70’s live action Spider-man TV specials if I didn’t want to watch a cartoon. Other than that it was a crap-shoot. And I didn’t even have to wait that long. I feel bad for my dad. That guy went forty years with only Superman I and Superman II to hang his Super-hat on. (Also that he had to wait a decade and a half to get the stank of Superman III AND Superman IV: The Quest for Peace out of his mouth. Now THOSE were bad movies.)

Worst of all, I actually feel bad for liking Man of Steel. I do. Because none of my “nerd friends” that have seen it have anything remotely positive to say about it. Am I a bad comic nerd because I can actually enjoy this movie and understand that the director made a few different choices? Should I feel bad for being more easily entertained than my brethren? If your answers to those questions are “yes,” then so be it. A comic nerd I am no longer. I’d rather get out of that group before I too turn into a cynical jerk that sees everything as shit. I like being entertained. It makes me happy. I’m sorry none of you can enjoy these movies for what they are: fun.

Now if you’ll excuse me… I’m going to try and figure out how to not be a comic nerd while maintaining a room like this:

Judge Nerdd OUT.

Judge Nerdd's Injustice: Gods Among Us Collector's Edition Unboxing

If you know me, then you know my unhealthy obsession with collector's editions of video games. And my historic immersion in all things superheroes. So obviously I was going to use my income on the Injustice: Gods Among Us Collector's Edition. Was it worth the $100? Let's find out!

To start with:

Not super cool packaging. It's a big box. No window panels. Just a blown up image of the game's box art. Beyond that? It's a large black box underneath the slide-on wrapping.

Inside that plain black box comes all of these fun things!

The real gem of this edition is the 13" statue of Wonder Woman about to throw down (literally) on Bats.

You have to add two below pieces to the ship (which I read is supposed to be Superman's childhood rocket), and then it forms the crazy battle scene above.

The comic is vastly disappointing in its lack of girth. Was I the only one that initially thought this was supposed to be a collection of the Injustice series? Those promotional pictures seem to give it some thickness. (Heyo...) Instead it's merely the first issue. While that's a nice consolation prize, I really wanted more.

And obviously the actual game is included. The case comes stuffed with a DLC code for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman skins from the New 52 line-up. Also a redeemable digital copy of the DC Animated movie Justice League: Doom. (Which is a pretty damn fun pummel-fest.)

While I'm fine with having bought this edition, what happened to THIS VERSION? (Judging by the age rating on the bottom left, it's a foreign edition.)

That sorta looks WAY cooler. JOEY WANT!

The Verdict: 

This set will run you $99.99 and has a limited run. While it didn't meet all of my lofty expectations, it's worth it for fans of DC Comics and their wares. (And for fans of pummeling.)

Nerdd Judgement rendered. I AM DA LAW!

Movie Night: The Dark Knight Returns: Part I & II

Does it live up to the legacy of its graphic predecessor?

When I originally saw the preview for The Dark Knight Returns animated movie, I was wrought with nerdish emotion. I've been impressed with the DC animated offerings thus far, but none of them (aside from Batman: Year One) have tackled a storyline so revered. But unlike prior entries in the series, DC didn't force this story-line into one 75 minute movie, instead opting for two parts, amounting to one 150 minute saga.

After releasing Part One in November, DC finally got Part Two out in early February, letting us view the longest animated comic epic ever. (I think. Someone can check me on this one if they want to spend the time on it.) Per usual with these animated flicks, my dad and I sat down to watch Part Two over the weekend and came away overly contented.

I won't go into the whole plotline (because you should just read the damn book like a good nerd), but The Dark Knight Returns follows the story of a retired Bruce Wayne/Batman, who's in his later years. When he is confronted with the rising gang called the Mutants, he decides he can no longer sit idly by and watch as innocents suffer. He once again dons the cape and cowl and begins to clash with foes both new and old. In it's physical form, this story is regarded as one of the greatest graphic novels of all-time and one of the significant factors in Batman's transition from the cartoony nature that inspired the Adam West show to the dark and grim version that accounts for Christoper Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much made it into the final cuts of both films. I may not be bombarded with the on-air "news" segments as I am in the comic, but there are still plenty to go around. Bruno still walks around with swastikas painted on her exposed (and probably plastic) chesty bits. The Mutants still talk with weird syntax and sentence structure. We've still got Ronald Reagan as President. So it's nearly identical to the book you've already read.

Try looking at this as a kid. So messed up.

There are a few differences here and there, but nothing of extraordinary note. For example, Joker's return to crime during his talk show appearance comes under differing circumstances. There is no female doctor accompanying him and Dr. Wolper onstage, so he doesn't end up kissing her with his poisoned lipstick and driving her insane as she raves about sex. (Something I assume was edited to maintain a PG-13 rating) Instead, he gashes Dr. Wolper across the throat with a broken mug handle. While the change may not deliver disturbances on as many levels, it's highly effective nonetheless. But as there are so few alterations of this kind I have to tip my hat to DC for staying as true as possible while attempting to reach such a wide audience.

The assemblage of voice talent for The Dark Knight Returns is most impressive. Peter Weller (Robocop) stars as the aged caped crusader, giving him a threatening ambiance that almost no other voice could bring. It's his performance that anchors the movie. Ariel Winter (Modern Family) plays the young and talented Robin/Carrie Kelley. Her exuberance throughout plays as a great contrast to her grizzled super-boss. Mark Valley (Hard Target, Boston Legal) is featured in Part Two as Superman, who is now essentially an agent of the United States government. Michael Emerson (Lost) appears as a Joker that seemed to lose a bit of his creepiness in translation from the page. The bigger moments were there, but I have issues any time the Joker sounds "normal."

Maria Canals-Barrera (you'll know her as Hawkgirl from the Justice League series) steps in as Commissioner Gordon's replacement, Ellen Yindel. She sounds just as bad-ass as she ever did. Michael McKean (the Christopher Guest flicks) plays Dr. Bartholomew Wolper, which makes me tremendously happy. A - He's working. B - He's great. Even Conan O'Brien pops in for Part II as talk show host Dave Endochrine, in about as perfect a casting as you can find. It's this thoughtful attention and creativity to filling these roles from Casting Director Andrea Romano that makes her one of the best in the business.

And as we've come to expect from DC Animation, The Dark Knight Returns features an art style that is very much in line with the original comic series, which in this case means the illustrations of Frank Miller. Batman has a hulkish form to him, lumbering across the screen when he's not flying around it during action sequences. The art direction is dead-on, perfectly adapting this 80's masterpiece for a new medium.

The Verdict:

From start to finish, The Dark Knight Returns Part I and Part II form an animated epic of truly wondrous proportions. Fans of the original series will not be disappointed in the slightest, while newcomers will find themselves entrenched in this gritty feature. I can't wait to watch them again.

Nerdd judgement rendered! I AM DA LAW!

Judge Nerdd: Breaking Down The Avengers Trailer

After the teaser that was shown at the end of Captain America: The First Avenger, comic book nerds around the globe have been frothing at the mouth for more footage from The Avengers. That desire was satiated slightly with Marvel's release of the official trailer.

Below is the YouTube link, but you can also go an download/view the trailer on good ole iTunes.



First of all: OMFG. I absolutely CANNOT wait for the summer of 2012. If the world ends before I can witness the amazeballs that The Avengers will be, I will die an extremely unhappy boy.

All of that being said, it is possible for Judge Nerdd to nit-pick as well. Here are some of my highlights and questions regarding the trailer:

-Looks to be plenty of in-fighting among the group, akin to The Ultimates storyline. I would also tend to believe Loki plays a small role in turning some of the team against each other at certain points in the film, being the god of mischief and all. I mean, Thor taking a vicious air-bound swing at Cap probably wouldn't be a normal reaction.

-Robert Downey Jr. will be on full display. The clear headliner, Downey's Tony Stark will likely steal the show from his costumed counterparts. I have full confidence in the entire cast, but RDJ won't be passed over.

-Would it kill Marvel to give me a little more Hawkeye? I am beyond pumped for Jeremy Renner's arrow-equipped marksman, but have yet to get enough of him in any of his appearances. Along with Black Widow and Captain America, he's going to take direct orders from Samuel L. Jackson and SHIELD, which could cause friction with the God of Thunder and the Man of Iron, neither of whom take direction well.

-And this may be the girliest of all my gripes, but what the hell happened to Thor's hair? He's been hanging out in Asgard so long that he finally switched stylists? It was clean in his own flick, but for some reason it needs to be slightly wavier and more tussled about when he's on a team.

-I love ending it with a glimpse of the Hulk. Whatever triggered his rage, you can be sure the Hulk is going to present a problem that the Avengers may have to solve at some point.

With all the set-up and back-story provided by the FIVE movies that preceded it, The Avengers won't need to waste any time getting into the action, which is exactly what this trailer showcases. I'm all in. You should be too.

Judge Nerdd has spoken! I AM THE LAW!

Judge Nerdd's Tips for Comic-Con

Alright Chicago Nerds, your annual Mecca has returned to Rosemont. If you've been there before, you might think you know how to best maneuver the chaos, but you could probably use a refresher. If you've never had your Wizard World cherry popped, then follow these rules closely. (They've been provided by three experts: Me, my brother and my sister.) You're welcome.

Ask to see something expensive/breakable out of its box first.


Because nothing's shittier than spending $100 on a sexy Poison Ivy statue only to discover that her hand is broken off. Look at it before you buy it.

Anyone in costume will gladly take one with you.

But do you really need a picture with overweight Superman? Also, avoid walking in front of someone else's photo.

Check the schedule.


If you want to get a comic signed, need to see a panel, or want to know when Patrick Stewart is signing, be sure to plan your day ahead of time and look at the handy schedule of events. Lines form early for most events, especially the ones you want to attend,


Gauge your price points ahead of time.


If you can get it on Amazon for $40, don't pay more than $50 for it at the convention. Know your breaking points on any collectible you're looking for and save yourself money in the long run.


Go in the vintage porn booth if you want.


Seriously. Loitering outside of it isn't fooling anyone. Just go in and browse like a man.


Pay for parking on your way in.


Trust me. They'll be a hella-line on your way out.


Try not to buy anything on your first pass-through.


Because you might see that Wonder Woman bust for $60 at one booth, but you'll likely see it for $45 three booths down after you impulsively buy it. Take a photo or write a note to remember where/what you wanted and head back there if you don't see it for cheaper.

Autographs cost money.

Why else do you think all these "celebrities" show up? Old retired wrestlers don't just show up to shake hands with their 40-year old fans. They get straight-cash homie.

Don't stop in the middle of an aisle.

I don't care if you HAVE to get a picture of silver-haired minx in the Black Cat costume. Other people are going to held up because you just nerd-gasmed.

Hot chicks that talk to you are trying to give/sell you something.

If they're in costume, it's a 50/50 proposition. But if they're in a cute nerdy t-shirt and jeans with a stack of something in their palm? They're going to smile and hand it to you.

Pack a lunch.


Why waste valuable money on overpriced convention center grub? Three days of 5 dollar hots dogs and 3 dollar sodas is a lot of dough. Spend that money on what you came for. Nerd shit.


Wear comfortable shoes.


This one is pretty obvious.


You're not selling your comic collection here.


Most dealers are looking to unload, not bring home a new inventory. That entire run of Grant Morrison's JLA should stay at home. Besides, that's too much heavy lifting.


Don't make your girlfriend/boyfriend come unless she legitimately wants to go.


Otherwise they're just going to be annoying and slow you down.


Backpack it.


If you are planning on getting more than a few comic books, a tiny messenger bag just won't cut it. Bring a backpack and maybe pack an earth-friendly tote bag. Otherwise you'll be making frequent drop-offs at the car.

Brace for nasal impact.

'Cause some nerds smell.

Wear deodorant.

'Cause you prolly smell.

Bring cash.

Some booths do take credit cards, but a healthy stack of green is advised.

Any other tips? Share them below!

Judge Nerdd: Warner Bros releases Superman & Catwoman images!

It's been a fun couple of days of reveals from Warner Bros. Pictures. Earlier in the week, the first glimpse of Henry Cavill as Zack Snyder's Superman was released. Now, Warner Brothers has put forth the first image we have of Anne Hathway in The Dark Knight Rises. I'm all tingly.

Time for some Nerdd-flavored judgement!

Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

First off: Two words. Bad. Ass. 

Secondly, it doesn't look too different from the Superman Returns get-up, except for some darker tones and a crazy long cape. Great look so far.

And now for the hot part...

Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

Delicious. She's definitely going to be taking a page out of the current Catwoman's book with a more functional, tech-savvy ensemble. And they gave her goggles. Sweet.

That being said, isn't there going to be something that makes her... ya know, stand out as a cat in some way? Or will she simply be "Selina Kyle: Super Burglar?" That remains to be seen, but one thing I know for sure: I have a hard time looking away from Anne Hathaway normally, but in this outfit? Fuhgeddaboudit. Anyone else in this movie will be lucky to get my attention.

Nerdd Judgement over. I AM THE LAW!

Thoughts? Comments? Hathaway oogling? Leave 'em below!

Movie Night: Captain America: The First Avenger

Saving the Best for Last?

After releasing Thor earlier in the summer, Marvel Studios caps off the Superhero Summer of 2011 with Captain America: The First Avenger. Set in the 1940's during the midst of World War II, the tale serves a dual-purpose as not only a superhero flick, but a period film as well. With its setting separating it from the other titles in the Marvel movie series, Captain America brings a completely different world onto the screen. Full of vibrant characters and retro-futuristic technology, The First Avenger is undeniably fun and entertaining. However, what makes it Marvel's best release is the story. The ascension of Steve Rogers into the legendary Super-Solider is expertly propelled by a polished script which definitely was the recipient of a Joss Whedon once-over.

While Steve Rogers isn't as entertaining a character as Tony Stark or as all-powerful as Thor, his story is the most human and therefore, most relate-able. Chris Evans has enough talent for the role, which takes him from a scrawny, determined kid from Brooklyn into a muscle-bound leader of men. Watching him earn his power as well as the respect of his peers and superiors is an altogether inspiring journey. Evans not only acts the part, but he completely looks the part as well. With a training regimen that must have been hell, Evans bulked up considerably from his already muscular physique into the spitting image of Steve Rogers. It's undeniably impressive. And thanks to Hollywood magic, special effects are able to slim down Evans into his skinny pre-Cap self and avoid the dreaded body-double.

Dude's got muscles.

Equally as effective, Hugo Weaving has little trouble giving the Red Skull a realistically maniacal bent. Cap's arch-nemesis has never looked better. With a backstory that is not only original but makes sense for the villain, the leader of HYDRA's utterly evil ambitions and entirely fitting.

Rounding out the cast are several dynamic personalities. Stanley Tucci is delightful as Dr. Abraham Erskine, the scientist who develops the Super Solider formula. Tommy Lee Jones is well, Tommy Lee Jones. He gets great lines as the Colonel in charge of Cap's training and unit. As the only female in the entire cast, Hayley Atwell is uniquely stunning as Peggy Carter. She doesn't have the typical looks or dialogue of a woman in a superhero flick (a good thing), but definitively belongs in this 1940's environment.

The story is clear but manages to cleanly connect with the other Marvel movies in a build-up to The Avengers mega-movie in 2012, thanks to appearances from the Cosmic Cube and a young Howard Stark. The fight scenes (few as they are) are always fun, especially since Cap gets to beat up on Nazi scum. (Who doesn't enjoy seeing that?) His final costume (as he goes through a couple versions, including a stint in the classic) looks the part of a 1940's soldier, with updated material and armor. And the shield is spot-on and realistically worn. (I mean, it's not as is vibranium is red, white and blue.)

While I will not spoil how the film ends, it is befitting of Captain America's memorable and emotional transition into the modern age. (Look to the Ultimate line of comic books for the source material.) And if you haven't heard, DO NOT leave before the credits are over. It's more than worth it and has left me anxious and supremely impatient for 2012.

After seeing four comic books brought to the screen this summer, I can say one thing for certain: Captain America: The First Avenger is the best of the season. (Sorry X-Men. You were awesome.) To me, it's even be the best film under the Marvel Studios banner thus far. However The Avengers is received, one thing is for certain: Marvel has done their job giving these characters their own fully-developed franchises. And finally, The Avengers have their leader.

Movie Night: Green Lantern

That'll Do Hal, That'll Do.

Anyone that knows me personally is well aware of how long I've been waiting for a Green Lantern film. Behind Spider-man, GL is a close second for my favorite superhero ever. The ever-changing settings, the space drama, the bad-ass ring, and the propelling theme of controlling your emotions and harnessing your willpower hooked me from the moment I started reading. Ever since I have become so entrenched in the Green Lantern universe that it and Green Lantern Corps are the titles I look forward to reading the most. So believe when I say I was more than anxious as I waited for a midnight showing to commence featuring the emerald ring-slinger.

Back when I started reading the comic series in the 90's, I knew the technology to bring the lantern story to the screen simply didn't exist. In 2011, not only does the technology exist, but the financial backing for superhero movies has never been more forthcoming. So enter Green Lantern, a movie with a more than solid cast and a whopping $200 million budget.

Let's start with the hopefully bankable star of this production: Ryan Reynolds. As Hal Jordan, he's wittier than I'd like him to be. No offense to Hal, but the guy just isn't that funny. He doesn't have a lot of one-liners. Unfortunately, Reynolds is too effing funny/sarcastic/annoying to not have a few zingers in the flick. That being said, I certainly expected more of them. He's got the looks and he's got the chops, so who am I to complain about a studio wanting someone entertaining in the role? He may not have been my first choice for Hal, but he's certainly not at the bottom.

As far as the Green Lantern Corps goes, I have no complaints whatsoever. Mark Strong is absolutely spot-on as the legendary and ferocious Lantern Sinestro. The intensity behind Strong's eyes bring life to the character and set the stage for one of the most significant aspects of the Green Lantern mythos. Tomar-Re and Kilowog are voiced by the talented Geoffrey Rush and Michael Clarke Duncan, respectively, perfectly capturing the essence of two storied members of the Corps. As for their leaders the Guardians, I thought they were aloof and arrogant enough in the time they're on screen and were exactly how I would have imagined them. I desperately wanted to see more of the lantern forces, but this was definitely more of a Hal Jordan story than a tale of the Corps. Maybe next time...

For the story's main villain, enter Parallax. A deep history in the comics, the Parallax of the film has been tweaked a bit. He's still a representation of fear, but instead of a cosmic entity that IS fear, he's a former Guardian infected and consumed with the yellow energy that is fueled by fear. It worked for me. I never expected them to create glowing alien life forms in the color of the spectrum, so this was a way to work a Parallax into the film.

On the terrestrial side of the movie, I was surprised by how not annoyed I was by Blake Lively. I knew she would be easy on the eyes, but she never once felt like a throwaway character to me, even proving useful in a fight scene. (Didn't see that coming. Good for her.) She may not have been as ballsy as her comic counterpart, but she proved a equal opposite to Reynolds. Peter Sarsgaard gets downright creepy as Hector Hammond, the evil, large-craniumed telepath. Angela Bassett even shows up as government powerhouse Amanda Waller, a nice surprise for fans of of the DCU. Still, she's not as... forceful as you would expect her to be. Some of the surrounding characters aren't that memorable, but it's a comic book blockbuster. Not every character gets to develop.

As the advertising clearly shows, Green Lantern is a 3-D summer superhero blockbuster. And I do mean, blockbuster, so you will have the occasional moment of near-cringe-worthy dialogue and the over-the-top special effects. However, there is a grand central theme of the will to overcome fear that serves as an anchor which with the film grounds itself. There's no particularly weak performances and the CGI does a fantastic job of putting form to the ring's abilities. Even the costume looked great to me after seeing on screen for two hours, instead of the glimpses in pictures and commercial snippets.

Maybe I'm softie for one of my favorite superheroes, but I was more than entertained by Green Lantern. I've seen and heard from plenty that found it horrid or boring, but not I. Could it have been better? Abso-freaking-lutely. It felt dumbed down a bit from the direction the comic book has taken over the past few years, but I think that's a necessity for GL so that the story is a bit more accessible to those new to the hero. (Though what's not easy to understand about space cops? It's AWESOME!) Unfortunately you'll almost have to see it in 3-D, which still underwhelms me every time I'm forced to endure it. Weak, yo.

If you're looking for a few fun hours at the movies, Green Lantern will do the job. It may not be the "Epic Space Opera" that the fanboys were looking for, but that's what sequels are for, fellow nerds. Try to enjoy the ride.