Ravingnerd Reviews: The Lone Ranger

Yes, I’m a bit off base here. This isn’t really a nerd themed movie. Though the Lone Ranger has comic book roots. Seen quite recently in Mark Waid’s Green Hornet. Despite this, the movie raises a very specific and very important concept. The idea of a hero. As the teaser for Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D says “Not all heroes are super”. This movie embodies that ideal in its purist form. Before I say more on that, I’ll go through the movie like I would any other.

The cast is diverse. Johnny Depp is obviously the “star” of the film and does take most of the comedic and many of the dramatic moments into his character. But he isn’t the shining star of the film. That goes to Armie Hammer who does a fantastic job as the masked do-gooder. He does a superb job convincing the audience that he has what it takes to be a hero and manages to embrace the camp to do it. In fact Tonto often serves as the anti-camp to the film. Funny to see Depp playing the straight man in the film. Helena Bonham Carter’s role is forgettable, limiting the damage she could do to the film, while Tom Wilkinson is out in full villainous force once again. He does play a villain well.

The plot is intricate while being predictable. Though the movie has its share of “twists”, a skilled movie goers sees them all coming from the minute they are teased. This isn’t a hindrance to the movie, and instead feels like a hearkening back to the roots of the franchise. We know they are the bad guys when the heroes don’t. It’s a classic bit, and it pays off oh so well in the film.

The film is action packed and full of laughs. It does a splendid job at maintaining a dramatic heart while delivering on the comedic element that we all expected to see. It embraces the camp, and the entire last fight seen is one of the campiest and awesome scenes I have seen to date. The final score to that scene was so perfect, you just wanted to giggle out of excitement (or past tense “did” if you are a dork such as myself).

The movie is chock full of references to the original Lone Ranger. Often times making fun of it. Which is a good way to reference the past  in my book.

This movie manages to retain the campy fun that the original franchise is all about, while updating it for a modern audience. By focusing it in a more family friendly manner, Disney may have sacrificed a big blockbuster hit akin to a super hero movie, but they didn’t try. They went in the opposite direction.

There isn’t really anything to compare it too. This movie fits in a unique niche among movies I normally watch. Though I will say that I definitely enjoyed this film more than I thought I would and probably more than I should have. Definitely in the top three best movies I’ve watched this year.

Favorite part of the movie: The very last line of the film. Hilarious reference to the original that had me squeeing and rolling on the floor laughing. Perfect.
Least favorite part of the movie: Helena Bonham Carter’s role. Seemed pointless and forced. I don’t like her anyway, but though her role was forgettable, I can’t really see why she’s in the film at all.

Final film score?

The Lone Ranger gets an 8 in my books.

Aside from being just pure movie watching fun, in a way that only Disney could offer. The movie does one thing that truly shines. Though a western, our hero embodies that of a hero. And though he is willing to witness the death of a bad man. He doesn’t do so by his own hand. Yes. He is responsible for killing people. But that’s either on accident or chance. He himself never directly kills another man. And the Lone Ranger even hates the use of guns with stunning conviction. Given my thoughts on a certain other movie that is in theatres at the moment, it was refreshing. To understand heroes today, we must first look to the heroes of the past. The Lone Ranger stands as one of the purist ideals of a hero. It’s a shame that any version of Superman should take a page from his book. But it certainly does so here. Don’t get me wrong. The Lone Ranger is responsible for death, but never at his hand. For any reason. Looks like we have to turn to a lawman from yesteryear to get the Supermorality of the future.

Until the next time, let the hate come.

Rn

Ravingnerd Reviews: Green Hornet #1

I can not tell you how long I’ve been waiting for this title. The instant it was announced I knew it would be one I couldn’t afford to miss. It was a dream come true. My love of pulp heroes colliding with one of my favorite writers. Dynamite has definitely carved out a niche for me in their universe, as I am now able to read Shadow, Green Hornet, and Masks monthly. With Flash’s Buccellato hopping aboard their Black Bat launch, and a Miss Fury launch approaching I will most likely be spending a bit of time in the Dynamite end of the business.

Now let’s get back to Green Hornet, I’ll start by discussing what I liked.

1. The art. Daniel Indro rocks the art. The action feels very real, and the people are very full of life. While Dynamite has often had problems with artists falling short of the narrative’s Dynamite’s writing staff offers, this book serves as a pleasant exception.
2. Green Hornet is a bad guy. Well, no he’s not. But fans of the Green Hornet will know that he poses as an underworld boss/enforcer. Witch is in stark contrast to Kevin Smith’s take on the character, which has Britt’s son playing the hero. While that series has been exceptional through it’s run. It is nice to see this book return to its roots.
3. The Shadow was referenced. It is nice to know that Waid is adding to Dynamite’s slowly growing shared universe.
4. The issue is one and done. While it leaves off on a cliff hanger of sorts, this issue’s plot begins and ends within the issue. Which, to me, is a perfect way of introducing the character.
5. It was one part television show plus one part modern super hero narrative. There is nothing wrong with that combination.

Rating before reading: 7
Rating after reading: 9

This issue blew me away. The art and story was dynamic, and exactly what a die hard pulp fan would want to see. The pure understanding of the character allows Waid to deliver an interpretation that feels pure and unchained, pleasing old fans while captivating new fans at the same time.

My one complaint would be the lack of focus or emphasis on Kato. He gets a little bit of time, but not near the time some of the other supporting characters can do. While I’m bugged by it, Kato is a naturally silent character. Thus him getting lost, is kinda what the character wants. He is a ninja.

So aside from that rather nitpicky complaint, this comic was pitch perfect and a stellar start to the series. This is a must read for any Green Hornet or pulp genre fan. Despite this, it is not exclusive. Any one interested in learning more about the character has all they need right here. The story is powerful and moving, and should easily be able to captivate anyone interested in it.

Until the next time,

Rn

Ravingnerd Reviews: Masks #2

I was initially quite saddened that Alex Ross was not in fact doing the art for the entire series. I am also not quite sure why he wouldn’t. What else does he do? I mean he draws covers for Dynamite, but what else. Maybe I’m just being selfish, but I was quite disappointed. That being said, here is what I like.

1. It helped to set up the origin story for one of Dynamite’s future series’, meaning that series will be a direct tie in/spin off of Masks. Which isn’t a bad way to start a series.
2. The team members still have not fought each other. They truly serve justice, and justice alone. No super hero pissing matches here.
3. Though the team is set to expand, the characters are mostly separated  Meaning all of the characters will eventually coordinate, but not as fast as I feared. This gives us time to get invested in the core team of characters (Hornet, Kato, Shadow, and Spider).
4. They do a great job at distinguishing the difference between the characters. At the end of the day, they are all just guys with guns (Shadow excluded).

Rating before reading: 9
Rating after reading: 8

It was another fantastic issue. Aside from my disappointment over Alex Ross, this issue was solid. It helped to illuminate the set up for the story. As we see the core group of characters interact as two new group of characters form. We see Zorro and Quinn taking their first steps towards joining the fight, just as we see Miss Fury and Green Llama join the struggle. We also see Black Terror on the final page, so he’s already involved in the conflict in one way or another. I am quite fascinated to see if the any of the Project Superpowers themes show up within this comic. Their characters are being featured prominently, but I am wondering if Dynamite is going to build a universal continuity between that book and Masks. I highly doubt it, but I am interested to see how characters like Black Terror and Green Llama interact with each other in this story. I will also briefly comment about Dennis Calero’s art, which is quite impressive. Of course it is nothing close to Ross’ work, but what is? While Calero has some big shoes to fill in the coming issues, I am glad to see that they have entrusted the comic to a talented artist I haven’t had the pleasure of reading much of. So despite the shock over art switch, the comic is still solid, and easily one of the best team books on the shelf.

Where do you want the team to go, and how fast do you want the team to get there.

Additionally, you can vote for Masks as one of the best new comics of 2012 at my poll here, if you are really joining the series. While there make sure you take the time to vote for your other favorite titles as well.

Until the next time,

Rn

Reboot: Nerdy Films I’d Like to See

Looking over my Longbox and seeing all the great and wonderful series’ and characters that fill it, it dawned on me that there is great untapped potential in many of these characters. As you know, I am quite controversially against most comic book movies. That being said, I think there is massive potential in quite a few comic book characters. Thus I have designed a post outlining my wishlist for nerdy movies.

Rocketeer- The last movie was, admittedly terrible. It just didn’t really do anything. A shame since it really isn’t that hard to do the character. Captain America proved that a super hero type flick could do fairly well on the big screen. And though I felt that Cap was a huge misfire, Rocketeer would be easier to do. There aren’t any super villains, just an unlikely hero fighting against Nazi spies. That’s all I’d really ask. Strong characterization drives the Rocketeer. A movie would be no different. Rather, it should be no different. And the Rocketeer thrives on being able to do whatever. There are no set events, and no set ways to tell the story. A boon for nerds and movie goers alike.

The Shadow- Yes, I will tell you know that most of this list is made up of pulp heroes. But only because they have the most untapped potential. So why not have a Shadow without Alec Baldwin, and why not have it set in the past. Does it have to be the 40’s? No, The Shadow transcends time. What if this time he’s fighting Soviet spies? Or debunking the Red Scare? The Shadow needs to oppose a force that is ideologically against the American Society. Let him run rampant against a foe so villainous, deadly force is needed. Pulp heroes are generally darker than most comic book characters, and the Shadow should be no different.

Green Hornet- There should be a serious take on this character. The bastard of a movie that came out recently was terrible. These are serious characters with a serious history to not only the pulp genre, but to comics as well. If you need some help, talk to Kevin Smith. He clearly has an idea or two.

Masks- Yep, it only has one issue. Yep, I’m a pulp hero junky. I acknowledge all of that. But Avengers worked. Why can’t we have a team up with all of these pulp heroes? Disney owns Rocketeer, but why couldn’t you build a pulp hero franchise akin to that of what Disney did with Marvel. I’d certainly pay money, but I may be the only one.

Daredevil- The one that exists was terrible. We could use a well done Daredevil film. He needs to be a bit edgier than the original movie, he makes his claim as one of the darker-underpowered heroes in the Marvel Universe.

Black Panther- C’mon, who wouldn’t want to see a Black Panther film? Cast Idris Elba as T’Challa, boom. You’ve got a movie millions would pay to see. Not to mention strong African American super heroes are limited to pretty much Nick Fury at this point.

Static Shock- Speaking of strong African American heroes, why not go for broke. My generation is certainly familiar with the character, with his recent appearance in Young Justice a new generation has a chance to fall in love with the character too. What better way to embrace/kickstart this than give him a film franchise?

My list could go on and on, but I have ranted for far too long. What would you like to see get a moive/movie series? Who would you cast as the characters?

Until the next time,

Rn

Ravingnerd Reviews: Masks #1

I would like to note that this is my very first review for Dynamite Entertainment content. I would also like to note that this is far from my last review over their content (especially with Mark Waid’s Green Hornet coming).

To point, I’ve known about Masks for quite a while now, and have been quite excited by it. By themselves, Both Chris Roberson and Alex Ross have created brilliant and iconic material. The level of work they could do together was unthinkable until now. For those of you unfamiliar with Masks, it is a team up comic of various pulp heroes. Which means my personal favorite Green Hornet will interact not just with loyal Kato, but with the likes of The Shadow, The Spider, and even Zorro.  Before I get ahead of myself, let me discuss what I liked.

1. Alex Ross. No explanation needed.
2. We get to see Chris Roberson tackle some of the most iconic heroes. Not just comic icon’s, but cultural icons.
3. It’s well paced, the plot is presented and impacted all within the course of the issue. Evidence of Roberson’s style and Ross’ ability to impact tone with visual representation.
4. We get to see all 4 of the major players in one form or another. It made me very happy.
5. This book is honestly like a dream come true for me.

Rating before reading: 7
Rating after reading: 9

This is the best first issue of a team up I’ve ever read. For each hero having such a tremendously fleshed out backstory and character history, the characters come together and gel together rather quickly. As The Shadow said, these heroes serve a higher calling and as such there was no fighting amongst them. I was surprised when the first confrontation between Green Hornet and The Shadow didn’t result in a knockdown drag out fight. Of course they initially mistook each other for enemies, but that was resolved before any major conflict could form. This only makes The Shadow even more of a bad ass.

This comic is a reflection of all the problems the big two have. It shows that their method of team building is flawed, and does so with a team of characters older and more iconic than even Superman. So kudos to Roberson and Ross for making one Dynamite series.

That was funny right?

Come on, please tell me that was funny?

No?

Damn.

Until the next time, let’s dispense some justice.

Rn