There is sadness in both remembrance and storyline but the emotional content feels respectful and expansive. Introducing an entirely new race of people and having them be both friend and foe helps to defy expectations.

This is far and away one of the most character-driven Marvel films and it challenges the audience with a thoughtful but somewhat leisurely first few reels. When it kicks into gear, there are some well-paced and expertly executed action sequences.

By the film’s end, you are left with a feeling of the tremendous respect the filmmakers had for the man that was Chadwick Boseman and they do his memory proud. They have opened up the franchise with endless possibilities and it will be fascinating to see where they go next.
Rob Hudson
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The results are a mixed bunch, to say the least. The breezy Antipodean humour of the previous film is almost entirely missing. The jokes feel formulaic and forced and the hit ratio of laughs to groans is quite low. There are some funny bits like Thor’s naked butt rocking some tramp stamps and Russell Crow’s hammy appearance as Zeus that do help to spice things up.

As oft times in these endeavours, it’s the lack of imagination in the script that keeps things tethered to the ground. It feels like they came up with a need for the film before the need to tell an engaging story. It descends into the trap that some Marvel films fall into of being product first and vehicles for solid storytelling second.

The list of under-utilised characters is long. Tessa Thompson as King Valkyrie and Christian Bale as the baddie Gorr leave little trace as does the almost entire cast of Guardians Of The Galaxy in the first reel. It’s a strange misstep from a brand that usually integrates its franchises so successfully. Unfortunately, lightning hasn’t struck twice this time.

Rob Hudson
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The balance between exposition and action feels out of kilter. There are ideas and plot devices that can’t be fully expressed in mere sentences and the Marvel movie’s proclivity to build to a spectacular final reel seemed unavoidable. This does little to enliven the final results.

The expansion of ideas taps into some interesting avenues and things look dire for most of the human race until the final crescendo. That there is hope for humankind by film’s end is of some redemption.

As far as origin stories go Eternals sets itself a heavy task for future films as one struggles this time to retain character details, names, and actions. The feeling of this work being relegated to being just an extended trailer for what comes next is difficult to overcome.

Rob Hudson
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Shang-Chi… taps into a father and son dynamic and features a refreshing lack of romantic entanglements between its two leads. Shaun (Simu Liu) and Katy (Awkwafina) have good chemistry together, one that is buttressed by their friendship remaining platonic. Shaun has extreme hidden talents that emerge but this doesn’t change his character’s accessible nature.

Blending fantasy and real-world elements into its entertaining mix, it features some of the most physical action sequences yet seen in a Marvel production. The martial arts on display are both artistic and expertly choreographed. They skirt the fine line between dance and fisticuffs with a virtuoso flair.

It’s not a complete departure though and the filmmakers cannot resist the urge to ramp up the final reel to epic proportions. The end result provides the movie’s weakest moments. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings plays best when it keeps the action between its protagonists based in a believable version of reality with light sprinklings of the fantasy world.

Rob Hudson
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So with that in mind, it’s great to see Marvel relax the reins on Spider-man: Homecoming a bit and tell a story more character driven than special effects driven. The film’s lighthearted touch with an emphasis on humour makes it much more accessible than some of the recent overly serious Superhero films. It easily lives in the MU while comfortably standing alone. It even features a crazy credit at the very end of the film that sells laughs instead of product.

Peter Parker in comic book form has always been a geeky kid and the new Spidey, Tom Holland gets those nuances just right. He plays awkward as endearing. The story starts right after the Battle of New York and we get an early view of both Spider-man’s progression (further along than the radiated spider bite) and the political machinations that helped to create his new nemesis.

The thoughts of restarting the franchise again are rapidly lost as the charm and humour of this latest edition sweep you away. It gets the balance of action, storyline and character development just right and as such is a blast from beginning to end.

Rob Hudson
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Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder, and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. What at first appears to be a radical success soon reveals itself to be a remedy potentially worse than the disease.

Starring Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal, with Tyrese Gibson, Morbius wil be released in Australian cinemas July 30!
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The stars were also joined by the films Director, Jon Watts and co-star Jacob Batalon.

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME stars Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr with Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal, and is in Australian cinemas Monday July 1!
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However, Peter’s plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent!

Spider-Man™: Far From Home stars Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr with Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal, and is in Australian cinemas July 1!
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First it must be said that I like Marvel movies but don’t live them. With that being the case, there are few films that run for over three hours that leave you with the feeling you could easily do another few hours (after a nature break that is). This film accomplishes that feeling as it delivers a mammoth amount of information.

It is also satisfying in so many ways. It has colossal action and human endeavour, both large and small. Some participants don’t make it to the very end, but for the ones that do, their stories are brought to a gratifying close. One hero’s completion arc in particular, is very heart warming.

Trying to live up to such vast expectations and rising above so much hype was always going to make it near impossible for the Russo brothers to succeed, but amazingly they have. This is the art of film making on a massive scale in both story and expense.

Rob Hudson
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Strong female leads are rare in the MCU and this project is a great start at righting that wrong. The film even poses some challenges for the audience as the opening reel is not built on obvious details. Larson plays the Captain with both depth and humour. Her and Jackson riff off each other throughout and it’s a lot of fun to watch.

As in almost all origin stories, most to the screen time is spent in character development and the film’s generous running time gives an opportunity to build to something substantial. It’s also a time capsule and features a lot of cool nineties references and music.

If you’re planning on hosting a MCU festival and want to follow the proper running order of films, you will actually need to begin the proceedings with Captain Marvel. This late in the game producing something so essential is impressive.

Rob Hudson
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