High Point of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

 

HIGH POINT OF THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE (MCU)

I have watched the movies and some of the television shows from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) since its inception with 2008's "IRON MAN". I am sure that many of the franchise’s fans have their own favorite movies and shows.

In my case, I have a favorite period of the franchise, which I personally consider its high point. Which is that period, you may ask? Well … I think the high point of the MCU had occurred during the spring and summer of 2014.



For me, it began with the airing of the "AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D." episode, (1.13) "T.R.A.C.K.S.". It continued on for the next three episodes, until (1.16) "End of the Beginning". Then came my favorite MCU movie of all time, "CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER", which started the MCU’s best story arc in my opinion, "The Fall of S.H.I.E.L.D.". This story continued in the superb "AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D." episode, (1.17) "Turn, Turn, Turn". This story arc finally completed in the series’ Season One finale, (1.22) "Beginning of the End".

Two-and-a-half months after Season One of "AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D." ended, along with "The Fall of S.H.I.E.L.D." story arc, the MCU released my second or third favorite MCU movie of all time, "GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY".

I do not think I have truly enjoyed the MCU franchise since that six-month period between February and August of 2014 that not only unveiled "The Fall of S.H.I.E.L.D.", but also introduced the Guardians of the Galaxy to the franchise’s fans. That whole period of 2014 was so enjoyable and well-written to me. And I personally feel that the MCU has never been able to recapture that consistent level of excellence again . . . even after five-and-half years.

"THE PARENT TRAP" (1961) Photo Gallery

 

Below are images from "THE PARENT TRAP", Disney's 1961 adaptation of Erich Kästner's 1949 novel, "Lisa and Lottie". Directed by David Swift, the movie starred Hayley Mills in a dual role:




"THE PARENT TRAP" (1961) Photo Gallery

"LEATHERHEADS" (2008) Review

 

"LEATHERHEADS" (2008) Review

As a rule, I usually do not like sports movies. I can think of at least six or seven that are personal favorites of mine. After my recent viewing of the 2008 football comedy, "LEATHERHEADS", I can honestly say that the number has risen to eight.

George Clooney, who also directed the film, plays Dodge Connolly, captain of the struggling football team called the Duluth Bulldogs. Dodge is determined to save both his team and professional football in general when the players lose their sponsor, and the league is on the brink of collapse. He convinces a college football star, Carter "the Bullet" Rutherford (John Krasinski), to join the Bulldogs, in order to capitalize on Carter's fame as a war hero. In addition to his legendary tales of heroism in World War I, Carter has dashing good looks and unparalleled speed and skill on the field. As a result of his presence, both the Bulldogs and football in general prosper. Rene Zellweger provided romantic interest as reporter Lexie Littleton, who becomes the object of the affections of both Carter and Dodge. Unbeknown to Carter, Lexie has been assigned to find proof that Carter's stories of military heroism are bogus. Meanwhile, Dodge's attempts to legitimize professional football start to backfire, as rules are formalized, taking away much of the improvisational antics that made the game fun for many of its players.

I had expected to mildly enjoy "LEATHERHEADS" or at least enjoy the 1920s setting. Instead, I found myself really enjoying the story of Dodge Connolly’s comic attempts to legitimize professional football, and his romantic rivalry with Carter Rutherford for Lexie Littleton’s heart. The comic timing featured in the script written by George Clooney, Steven Soderbergh, Duncan Brantley, Rick Reilly and Stephen Schiff is wonderful. The performances – especially the three leads – were fabulous. Clooney, Zellweger and Krasinski proved that they all possessed the skills and timing for comedic acting. And they were supported by a top-notch cast that included Stephen Root, Jonathan Pryce, and Peter Gerety. And I must say that I loved the way Clooney and his production staff captured the mid-1920s America, right down to the chaotic world of football – professional and college.

However, "LEATHERHEADS" is not perfect. The Chicago sequence leading up to the big game between the Duluth and Chicago nearly dragged the film. And I found the ending vague and lacking any real closure over Dodge, Lexie and Carter’s future. And that perfect capture of the 1920s? Well, it was not completely perfect. I have to blame Renee Zellweger’s hairstyle for this. It was fine when she had her hair pinned. But she spent at least two-thirds of the film wearing her hair in a shoulder-length bob. Is it any wonder I had originally believed this film was set in the early-to-mid 1930s?

It is a shame that "LEATHERHEADS" did not prove to be a hit. It really is an enjoyable film. But I guess that it is the type of film that would appeal to older moviegoers who are at least in their 30s and 40s. It simply lacked the appeal for younger viewers. Oh well. "LEATHERHEADS" has been released on DVD for roughly fifteen years. Why not give it a chance?

Five Favorite Episodes of "GAME OF THRONES" Season Five (2015)

 

Below is a list of my favorite episodes from Season Five of “GAME OF THRONES”, HBO’s adaptation of the second half of George R. R. Martin's two novels from his A Song of Ice and Fire series, 2005's "A Feast for Crows" and 2011's "A Dance with Dragons". The series was created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss:

"FIVE FAVORITE EPISODES OF "GAME OF THRONES" SEASON FIVE (2015)

1. (5.08) "Hardhome" - The new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch Jon Snow and free folk military leader Tormund Giantsbane meet with the free folk elders at the fishing village of Hardhome. Tyrion Lannister suggests that Daenerys Targaryen once again spare Ser Jorah Mormont's life for acting as a spy on behalf of the late King Robert Baratheon.

2. (5.09) "The Dance of Dragons" - Jon and the survivors from Hardhome return to Castle Black. Following Ramsay Bolton's covert attack upon Stannis Baratheon's camp, the latter makes an ugly decision to guarantee military success in the North. Daenerys and her entourage attend the grand reopening of the Meereen fighting pits, when the pro-slavery insurgency group the Sons of Harpy, attack.

3. (5.07) "The Gift" - Sansa Bolton née Stark asks former Stark hostage Theon Greyjoy to help her escape from Winterfell and her husband Ramsay. Tyrion and Jorah are captured and sold in Meereen as slaves. Queen Cersei Baratheon née Lannister's jealous triumph over Queen Margerey Baratheon née Tyrell and the latter's family backfires when the religious group the Sparrows arrest her for infidelity and murder.

4. (5.10) "Mother's Mercy" - Following a family tragedy, half of Stannis' forces desert him before he can face Ramsay's forces. Jaime Lannister and his niece/daughter Mycella come to an emotional understanding. The Sparrows subject Cersei to a humiliating "Walk of Shame". After fleeing the Sons of Harpy's attack upon the Meereen fighting pit, Daenerys is captured by a Dothraki horde. Sansa and Theon finally make their escape. Members of the Night's Watch express their displeasure over Jon's new alliance with the free folk.

5. (5.03) "The High Sparrow" - Westeros' new king Tommen Baratheon wed his sister-in-law, Margaery. Arya Stark has trouble adapting to her new life at the House of Black and White as an assassin trainee. Tyrion and Varys arrive in Volantis.

"THE AMERICAN" (2010) Photo Gallery

 

Below are images from "THE AMERICAN", the 2010 adaptation of Martin Booth's 1990 novel, "A Very Private Gentleman". Directed by Anton Corbijn, the movie starred George Clooney:




"THE AMERICAN" (2010) Photo Gallery