Arriving in theaters on April 4th, is the first big comic book film of the year: "Captain America: The Winter Soldier." Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the film, which serves as a sequel to 2011's "Captain America: The First Avenger," once again starts Chris Evans as Steve Rogers; a World War II veteran who gained enhanced physical abilities, such as strength and speed, after participating in a secret government project-- eventually calling himself "Captain America." Evans' Steve Rogers, who, in the 2011 film, sacrificed his well-being through freezing himself in an attempt to thwart the plans of the villainous "Red Skull (Hugo Weaving) to destroy American cities. At the end of the film, our hero awakens in our modern-day world. In "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," which is set two years after 2012's "The Avengers, Chris Evans' Steve Rogers is now working for the government agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. and finds himself entangled in a mystery that could very much threaten the safety of the entire world. Chris Evans' Steve Rogers, along with fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Natasha Romanoff, played by Scarlett Johansson, a fellow agent, work for Nick Fury, played by Samuel L. Jackson, the hard-headed director of .S.H.I.E.L.D.; who might be keeping some serious secrets about the organization away from our heroes. Eventually, Chris Evans' Steve Rogers comes into contact with a deadly enemy known as "The Winter Soldier", played by Sebastian Stan, who is, in actuality, a former close friend of our hero. I am quite excited about this seeing this movie, as Chris Evans' gave a strong performance as Steve Rogers. He maintained the brave spirit of Steve Rogers, aka "Captain America", throughout the original movie and I am very intrigued as to what awaits him in this soon-to-be-released blockbuster. In addition, while the original "Captain America" film fit in with the genre of World War II films, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" seems to be more of a modern-day spy thriller. I am also looking forward to seeing Chris Evans' Steve Rogers continue to adapt to our time as well as display more feats of pure bravery. In addition, I am curious to see how Chris Evans' Steve Rogers handles his confrontations with The Winter Soldier-- once he finds out the truth of his identity. I am expecting seriously emotional acting from Evans in these sequences. What's more, I am quite curious to see what mysteries pertaining to the orchestrations of S.H.I.E.L.D. will unravel in front of our eyes. Whatever secrets Chris Evans' Steve Rogers uncovers, we will discover as well. We are going to share in Steve Rogers' experiences. I am expecting many surprises and twists to take place throughout the film.
Image of Chris Evans as Steve Rogers aka "Captain America" taken from http://sciencefiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/captain-america-the-winter-soldier-trailer-0.jpg
Swinging into movie theaters on May 2nd is another much-anticipated comic book film: "The Amazing Spider-Man 2". Directed by Mark Webb and with a screenplay written by Alex Kutzman, Roberto Orci, and Jeff Pinker, the sequel stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker; a high school student who, after getting bit by a genetically-enhanced spider, gains super-powers-- eventually donning the well-known outfit and going by the superhero name Spider-Man. In this follow-up to the 2012 film, Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker faces new villains; one of which is "Electro", played by Jamie Foxx, originally an electric engineer named Max Dillion, who, following an accident, gains the ability to control great amounts of electricity. I am greatly looking forward to this sequel; as Andrew Garfield bestowed a very genuine performance as Peter Parker / Spider-Man. Garfield's performance gets the audience to cheer for him throughout the movie. Also returning for the sequel is Emma Stone; who is once again playing Gwen Stacy, the girlfriend Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker. I enjoyed Stone's performance as Gwen Stacy; as she portrayed her character as a supportive love interest. Her on-screen chemistry with Garfield was so great that audiences were able to root for them as the film unfolded. Audiences were able to completely believe their relationship and rheir scenes together were a treat to watch. In addition, I am also intrigued to see Dane DeHaan play Harry Osborn; the childhood friend of Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker. In the comics, Peter Parker and Harry Osborne had a complex friendship; one that was a serious aspect of the comic book series. . Judging from the trailers for the "The Amazing Spider-Man 2". it looks as if Dane Dehaan's Harry Osborne has uncovered some information that could lead him to find out that Peter Parker may well be the crimefighter known as Spider-Man. I am very interested in seeing how our hero deals with his friend's suspicions; possibly leading to a grand confrontation between the two. Furthermore, all the trailers have proven that "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" has great visual effects that will add further thrills to the movie. However, I am a little worried that the constant releasing of movie clips might spoil possible aspects of the movie. Needless to say, I am very excited about this movie!
Image of Andrew Garfield as "Spider-Man" taken from http://www.highsnobiety.com/files/2013/12/amazing-spider-man-2-trailer-00.jpg
Rounding out the month of May, we will be seeing the release of "X-Men: Days of Future Past." Directed by Bryan Singer with a screenplay written by Simon Kinberg, the movie serves as a cross-over between the original X-Men film series- which includes "X-men" (2000), "X2: X-Men United" (2003), and "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006)- to the franchise's prequel film "X-Men: First Class"; which was released back in 2011. Being released on May 23rd, "X-Men: Days of Future Past" centers on the tough-as-nails Wolverine, once again played by Hugh Jackman, being sent back in time by Prof. Charles Xavier, played by Patrick Stewart, and Erik Lehnsherr(aka Magneto), portrayed by Ian McKellen, in hopes of stopping a serious threat that spells the end for all mutants and humans. The movie will show Hugh Jackman's Wolverine coming in contact with the younger selves of Xavier and Lehnsherr; played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, respectively-- both of whom last appeared in the 2011 release. What I am most looking forward to seeing in this movie is seeing the actors of the original film series being in the same movie as the prequel's cast; which includes Jennifer Lawrence portraying the shape-shifting Raven Darkholme, aka "Mystique", as well as Nicholas Hoult; who plays Hank McCoy-- who, when administering a serum that he hoped would rid himself of his animal-like feet, gained amazing strength and agility as well as his entire body being covered with blue hair-- ultimately becoming known as "Beast." Wat's more, I enjoyed the performances of James McAvoy, who plays the young Dr. Charles Xavier (aka Prof. X), who possesses great telepathic powers, as well as Michael Fassbender; who portrays the young Erik Lehnsherr (aka Magneto-- a powerful mutant capable of manipulating great amounts of metal. McAvoy and Fassbender worked very well together in 2011's "X-Men: First Class"; as both actors depicted the tense friendship between their characters. Fassbender's Erik Lehnsherr became obsessed with revenge following the murder of his mother in the original film by Kevin Bacon's Sebastian Shaw; a very powerfully evil mutant who possessed the ability to control vast amounts of energy. Fassbender's Lehnsherr had become so corrupted by revenge and power, that once he murdered Bacon's Shaw, that he came to believe that mutants and humans cannot live together in peace and that the latter need to be eliminated. James McAvoy's Charles Xavier, however,strongly believes in the opposite and wants to stop Lehnsherr from destroying the human race. I am looking forward to seeing where McAvoy's Xavier and Fassbender's Lehnsherr are now and how they will take to the warnings of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. In addition, I am very excited to see Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen portray the older versions of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr once again; as they both gave commanding performances as their characters. Furthermore, I am looking forward to seeing Hugh Jackman involved in another full X-Men film as well as how he interacts with the younger selves of Lehnsherr and Xavier. I enjoy Jackman's portrayal of Wolverine; as he enables his character to remain ever-determined and fearless in his purpose. He always displays an exciting performance as Wolverine, and I am sure that he will not disappoint. In other words, there is A LOT to look forward to seeing in "X-Men: Days of Future Past."
Promo image of "X-Men: Days of Future Past" featuring Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy as Prof. Charles Xavier aka Prof. X and Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr aka Magneto taken from http://www.mcmbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/two-generations-unite-in-x-men-days-of-future-past-posters.jpg
Fast-forwarding to the 1st of August, we see the next big comic book movie of the year: "Guardians of the Galaxy." Directed by James Gunn, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is the first-ever Marvel comics film to take place almost-entirely in outer space. With a screenplay written by Gunn, who also-co-wrote the story with Nicole Perlman, the movie centers around Peter Quill, played by Chis Pratt, an American pilot who, after stealing a valuable orb, teams up with a group of interplanetary outlaws. a fierce assassin named Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, a hulking warrior known as Drax the Destroyer, played by Dave Bautista, Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, a tree-like humanoid with the power of regeneration, and Rocket, a skilled shooter who happens to be a genetically-enhanced talking raccoon -- voiced by Bradley Cooper. Chris Pratt's Peter Quill must work together with his new associates in hopes to save the universe from the wrath of a treacherous villain known as Ronan the Accuser; played by Lee Pace. Like the other films I have discussed, I am very much looking forward to seeing this movie. For one thing, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is a lesser-known comic book series than other Marvel comic series like "Captain America", "Spider-Man", and "X-Men." So henceforth, it will be interesting to see how the movie will stand along the other comic book films released by the company. Also, I am quite looking forward to seeing Chris Pratt get a major lead role in a movie. I enjoy his performances on the NBC comedy "Parks and Recreation" as the naive-yet-lovable public worker Andy Dwyer. Pratt displays keen comedic timing on the sitcom, so I am sure that he will work well with the most fun and humorous sequences in "Guardians of the Galaxy." In addition, Chris Pratt has experience in dramatic films as well; as seen from his performance in 2011's "Moneyball" as baseball player Scott Hatteberg, whose career looked uncertain following a rupturing a nerve in his elbow and was given an opportunity by Brad Pitt's portrayal of Billy Beane to join the Oakland A';s as the team's new first baseman. Pratt gave a determined performance as Scott Hatteberg, so I am sure he can handle any dramatic material in the film. Furthermore, Zoe Saldana is a very good actress and has her share of being in previously released sci-fi films; particularly 2009's "Avatar" as Na'vi Princess Naytin as well as starring as Nyota Uhura; a crewmember of the Starship Enterprise in the new "Star Trek" film series. What's more, I am greatly looking forward to seeing Bradley Cooper voice Rocket; as he has proven to be skilled at playing sarcastic and quick-witted characters; as seen by his role as Phil Wennick in the "Hangover" films. In addition, I am curious to see how Vin Diesel, with his deep, gruff voice does with supplying the speaking for the tree-like being known as Groot. I admit the idea of a walking, talking tree-like being sounds a little over-the-top. But from what i have seen in the comics, I think the character will be interesting to see on the big screen. Also, I do not know a lot about Dave Bautista who will be playing Drax the Destroyer; but i will say, judging by how he looks like as the character, I think he will give a gritty-but-compassionate performance. In addition, seeing as the movie centers around an ensemble of characters, and knowing that films based on Marvel comics tend to have humorous moments, I am hoping for a great sense of chemistry amongst the group. I have everyone gets their fare share of one-liners and speeches that will enable audiences to ultimately root for these characters. With talented performers in this movie, however, I think we will be cheering for them. And lastly, judging by the interstellar setting of the movie and the design of all the intergalactic characters, I am getting a "Star Wars"-vibe from the trailer; which will help contribute to the fun of the movie. Long story short, ""Guardians of the Galaxy" has a lot of potential and could possibly end up being one of this Summer's most exciting action movies.
Image of Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana, Peter Quill, played by Chris Pratt, Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, Drax the Destroyer, played by Dave Bautista, and Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, taken from http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/i/2014/01/02/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy_900x506.jpg
The final big comic book movie to be released in the Summer of 2014 is one that is not based on a series from Marvel. I am talking about "Sin City: A Dane to Kill For"; which is based on a graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics. The movie, which is being directed by Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller- the latter of whom created, wrote, and entirely drew the original series back in 1993-- focuses on different
tough-minded protagonists who come into contact with extremely brutal villains. Being released on August 22nd, the movie serves as a sequel to the original film, "Sin City.", which came out back in 2005. Having watched the original "Sin City" in theaters when it came out nine years ago, I must say that, despite the heavy violence throughout its duration, the stories were very well-written and the powerful performances kept my attention at all times. I am happy to see that Mickey Rourke is once again playing the hulking-yet-compassionate Marv, one of the major protagonists of the franchise. Rourke's performance in the original film was one of its best components and I look forward to seeing him in the sequel. In addition, looking at the cast of the sequel, I can honestly say that my excitement is brewing-- despite my slight concern about the violence that is bound to take place. For instance, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, one of my favorite performers today, will be portraying one of the sequel's protagonists. I enjoyed Gordon-Levitt's energetic performances when he hosted "Saturday Night Live this past season as well as back in 2009. I also hold in high regard his dramatic performance in 2011's "50/50" as Adam Lerner; a young man diagnosed with cancer and how his experiences with the disease affects his relationship with his best friend Kyle, played by Seth Rogen, as well as his mother ; played by Angelica Huston. Henceforth, because of his skills in giving dramatic performances, I have no doubt in my mind that Joseph Gordon-Levitt will be able to play his character in "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For"- a young gambler named Johnny, - greatly. In addition, I found the black-and-white visual style of the film-- which included occasional presences of colors (as seen in the eyes, hair, and clothes of some of the characters for striking effect)-- to be very effective and even artistic, In addition, the intense special and visual effects further helped the movie appear even grittier and, dare I say, more crazy. So, judging from the trailer for the sequel, it is clear to see that we are in store for the same kind of insane thrillride. With all of these aspects to consider, I can honestly say that "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For" will keep my eyes glued to the screen. Except, possibly, during some moments of intense violence. During which, I will probably be covering my eyes.
Image of Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Johnny taken from http://turntherightcorner.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/sin-city-2-a-dame-to-kill-for-teaser-trailer-joseph-gordon-levitt.jpg
So, there you have it. 2014 will most likely be the biggest year for comic book movies. All of these films are, in my opinion, very worth seeing. They all will have exciting stories to tell as well as very talented casts of performers who will bring the characters to life. The movies will all have sharp visual effects that will help contribute more excitement to the films. But most of all, these movies will be fun to watch on the big screen. And audiences can look forward to spending time in movie theaters this year in hopes of having a fun time as well as to cool off during the warmest of days this Spring and Summer. We have some truly exciting movies to took forward to seeing as well as talking about for hours on end after the credits roll.
So, what comic book movie are you most looking forward to seeing? Share your thoughts by clicking the "Comment" link underneath this article. Enjoy reading and I look forward to seeing which movies you are all most excited about. Thank you all for your patience and stay tuned for more Nater-Tainment!!
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