So Burned Part II

This is part 2 of my previous topic. This one depicts how I've been going to the movies alot less as of late and how I'm not completely into superhero films. To explain the former my reason is that there really isn't much I'm looking at seeing this year. Which is surprising when compared to last year. Lets say this, if I had to name drop Movie of This Year then Deadpool wins by a landslide. Cause Deadpool brought me something that I've wanted in a superhero film. Innovation, fresh storytelling, and the ability to take risk.

Now I know the upcoming Rogue One movie might be a contender but honestly I'm really not that into it. Prequels aren't my thing.

Also I feel a little burned out on superhero films because the majority of the mainstream superhero movies are just the same movie under a different title. I don't see anything that is fresh or even risk taking. Even with X-Men: Apocalypse it just felt like every other mainstream superhero movie. Deadpool was the only movie I felt was small in scale, thats probably what I liked best about it. The other problem is I don't see any attempts at taking a risk with the MCU, DCCU, and Fox Marvel. The only thing I'm looking forward to ATM is Star Wars: Episode VIII. Say what you will about The Force Awakens but to me at least the movie left things on a; "where will it go from here?" The superhero films otoh hardly gave me that feeling, yeah I'm somewhat curious about Infinity War but given how piss poor Thanos has been developed as of late I'd much rather see Loki and Hydra join forces as at least I'd get something close to a credible threat for the MCU.

I know there are more upcoming DCCU movies but none of them intrigues me ATM. I may go and see Wonder Woman but only to support the Amazon Princess's first ever live action movie. And I find the trailer itself neat.

So to those that are sticking with the superhero films, power to ya, I'm just going to take a sabbatical from them right now. The only live action superhero adaptations I'd invest in is their tv shows. I find myself looking forward to the next season of Marvel Netflix, Flash, and Supergirl. Especially with Superman showing up as far as the latter go.

So Burned

To those who are wondering why my updates on A Heroes Journey and City of Adventures are less than frequent is because I'm suffering a bit of a creative burnout. That and I'm in the process of moving, as far as RL go. So atm I'm taking the time to recharge my batteries and get my house in order. Once I've achieve those I shall return with both A Heroes Journey and City of Adventures. The former will be in a new chapter titled: Oncoming Storm 2: Electric Boogaloo. As far as City of Adventures go, I might retool it in a manner that gets the students in the action while letting the readers become familiarized with each of the students of Pendragon Academy.

Why I Liked The Final Act of X-Men Apocalypse

The X-Films have a rather love/hate relationship among the fanbase. Then you have that small vocal minority that doesn't care one way or another; Apocalypse is probably the most critically divided superhero film since Man of Steel. Even my opinion of the movie is rather mixed, there are parts that I liked and there are parts that I don't like. However there is one part of the film I happen to enjoy. The Final Act.

Apocalypse isn't exactly my favorite live action villain adaptation but I acknowledge that there was potential within him and I give credit in Singer at least tried to do something with the character to make him look like a legitimate threat. And out of all the Marvel films, Apocalypse is the only villain I felt was as close to a global threat as you could have. And Singer showed just how much he's a threat, globally.

Yet what pleased me was the final battle. A battle that truly showcase everything was at stake, the X-Men were trying to save not just the world but their mentor Xavier; and I like how even Xavier isn't safe from such a villain like Apocalypse. There were moments the movie even made me feel concerned for his well being, especially during the mind battle. And honestly, I never once gave a damn about any of the Avengers because if there is anything the MCU has taught me its they're fine no matter what. Despite the fact that I know the X-Men will win I give the final battle kudos in getting me invested in the battle emotionally.

There wasn't as single joke said from either side and this was really what I should have wanted from Thor: Dark World. With both sides wanting to kill eachother with the hero side even more than willing to kill to protect someone they care about. Now imagine if someone made a lame joke when Xavier was fighting for his life during that mind battle against Apocalypse? It would take away any emotional investment I had because the people involved are treating it like some big joke. And they aren't fighting for the sake of fighting as there was a story behind the fight scenes.

And while I felt they blew their load with The Phoenix too soon I do appreciate that it was done in a manner that I actually gave a crap about the Jean Grey character. Being honest here I never cared about Jean Grey. Honestly I felt that she's one of the worst characters in the X-Men franchise. Especially with how she pretty much was the X-Men equivalent of Bella Swan during that whole love triangle with Cyclops and Wolverine. I mean Jean's entire character is which guy I'm going to screw or The Phoenix? That's it.

 But in this one I felt Apocalypse had rescued her from the scrappy heap. The movie turned Jean Grey into a rather layered character with her own arc that doesn't revolve around which guy I want to fuck? And she was the one to defeat Apocalypse during the end. I hope to God that the next film continues to make Jean a strong character.

So while I wouldn't call Apocalypse my all time favorite superhero movie, that honor goes to Deadpool, it did manage to do something right where the MCU, sans Civil War, did wrong.