Based upon the comic book from Mark Millar and directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.
The film stars Colin Firth, Michael Caine, Taron Egerton, and Samuel L. Jackson. It hits theaters October 24, 2014.
Madame Tussauds New York and Midtown Comics unveiled Samuel L. Jackson’s wax figure as Marvel Comics superhero Nick Fury on Thursday at the 2013 New York Comic Con, at the Midtown Comics’ booth #1736.
Madame Tussauds artists worked closely with Samuel L. Jackson to create his spot-on wax figure when it launched in 2000. It took three months for a dedicated team of studio artists to transform Jackson’s figure into Nick Fury, replicating his distinctive look with a custom-made long leather trench coat and signature eye patch.
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury will go on display at Madame Tussauds New York starting October 14.
Photo credit: Ron Gejon/Midtown Comics
Madame Tussauds New York and Midtown Comics will unveil Samuel L. Jackson’s wax figure as Marvel Comics superhero Nick Fury on Thursday, October 10 at 3:30 p.m. at the New York Comic Con, Midtown Comics’ booth #1736.
Madame Tussauds artists worked closely with Samuel L. Jackson to create his spot-on wax figure when it launched in 2000. It took three months for a dedicated team of studio artists to transform Jackson’s figure into Nick Fury, replicating his distinctive look with a custom-made long leather trench coat and signature eye patch.
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury will go on display at Madame Tussauds New York starting October 14. The figure celebrates Marvel’s highly anticipated Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D television series which premiered last month on ABC and Nick Fury made an enthusiastically-received cameo appearance last week.
Madame Tussauds New York is an interactive “must do” attraction, providing guests with unique opportunities to create memories with some of the world’s biggest icons. Prominently located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds New York is open 365 days a year at 10 a.m.
Midtown Comics opened its first store in 1997, and is now an industry leading retailer of comic books, graphic novels, and manga, with its online store as well as three landmark NYC locations in Times Square, Grand Central and Downtown and comic boutiques in the historic FAO Schwarz toy store on Fifth Ave., and in Toys R Us in Times Square, NYC.
Did you listen to our live radio show last night? If you missed it, you can catch the archive and listen on the go. Also, tomorrow is new comic book day, what’s everyone getting?
Around the Tubes
The Mary Sue – Real Talk With Glenn Close: She’s in Guardians of the Galaxy for the Money – Well, that’s honesty.
Bleeding Cool – Space Mountain To Be Disney Comics’ First Original Graphic Novel By Bryan Q Miller And Kelley Jones – Huh.
ICv2 – Batman Pieces Auctioned – I totally have that in my couch cushions.
ICv2 – Samuel Jackson in ‘Secret Service’ – It’s a race to see how many comic franchises actors can be in!
Around the Tubes Reviews
Comic Vine – The Bunker #1
Jon is the latest contributor to join Graphic Policy. Expect many more reviews to come.
The Avengers started life as a marketing gimmick.
Desperate for another super-hero title to part kids from their hard earned nickels, Stan Lee commissioned Jack Kirby to throw together Marvel’s B list characters in a single series. Eventually the team uncovered Captain America, frozen in a block of ice, and the comic book incarnation finally surpassed it’s lackluster origins with a few rare moments of brilliance. In the movie version Captain America has already de-frosted before the opening titles, but even the living legend of World War II can’t help this cinematic turd from falling flat on it’s face.
The story begins with Loki, last seen causing mischief in Thor, being sent by a race of mysterious aliens, to recover The Tesseract, the cosmic McGuffin featured in Captain America, and lead an invasion of Earth. It all goes down hill from there as Samuel L Jackson assembles his team of super heroes to save the world. They fight with each other for a bit, have their asses handed to them by the enemy, finally get their act together and, SPOILER ALERT, they save the day and go out for swarma. It’s enough of a plot for a 24 page comic or a two hour film but after being bloated to two and a half hours by unnecessary complications and a lot of superfluous thud and blunder (much like modern comic book story arcs), it becomes a real chore to sit through. By the end I was squirming in my seat, waiting for it to be over so I could eat and wishing I had mowed the lawn instead of going to the movies.
Of all the elements of storytelling that Avengers fails at, characterization is perhaps the weakest link. Loki’s motivation is muddy and his intentions seem a little unclear from the word go. He’s also much too active in battle and doesn’t display any of his trademark tricks, preferring to slug it out with all comers, and relying on a form of alien mind control that’s so effective it can be undone with a bump on the head. Several characters do things that are just plain dumb just so that the plot can move along (trusting the guy whose been Loki’s puppet for the entire movie to fly a jet into battle is a good example). The dialog displays Joss Whedon‘s usual flair for the sarcastic, and adequately differentiates the characters from one another, but the actors don’t quite manage to pull it off and it winds up coming out flat. That’s not to say that the acting is bad. Everyone except Scarlett Johansson (who seems painfully aware that her role exists solely to get some feminist cred while showcase a good looking butt in black leather) does a competent job. I think part of the problem is that Whedon’s genius as a director is his ability to cast actors that work well in an ensemble and to pick people who can really make the words sing. It’s hardly surprising that the one stand out performance is delivered by Mark Ruffalo in the role of Bruce Banner, Whedon’s one major casting decision. It’s a shame that he wasn’t the point of view character for the entire narrative, as he is at once a likeable every-man and a deeply troubled, compelling individual with a problem that many in the audience can understand and sympathize with.
The Avengers lacks the emotional core that is essential to all of the best stories. It is a turgid behemoth of the movie that we are conditioned to believe is fun because of it is full of bright colors, big explosions and beautiful people. I really hope that Whedon decides not to return for a sequel, though the sad irony is that Disney will probably give him helicarriers full of money for Avengers 2, but not a penny for more Firefly.
Overall rating: 6.5
Ron is Graphic Policy’s newest contributor…. WARNING SPOILERS!!!!
Hello all. Brett has asked me to write up a review of The Avengers for you all, and I accepted the request with some cautious optimism. As this is my first official review, I may ask you all to be kind in your criticism, as my writing can be confusing, and my opinions can sometimes be narrow (whether right or wrong).
As a quick background, Brett & I have been friends for the greater part of 14 years since college. Our comic book geekdom knows no bounds when we get going, and I always graciously defer to his knowledge, as he (to me) is a far better authority when it comes to the subject matter. But, without further adieu, on with the review.
To preface this, I made sure to see the movie twice to try and really hone what I am feeling about the movie. My first experience was in IMAX 3D. We sat about dead in the middle row, in the middle of that row. The experience was overwhelming, as I’ve found in the past with some movie moments in IMAX (ask my wife about Quidditch matches during Harry Potter movies; hold onto your lunch!). Initially I enjoyed the movie overall before really digesting it a second time. There were highs & lows, but until I went a second time, I didn’t really gain true understanding of how I felt.
My second viewing was in Digital Real 3D, with the new D-Box experience. If you’ve never had the opportunity to sit in these seats, allow me tell you what they are.
The corporate jargon: http://www.d-box.com
Personal Opinion #1: D-Box are seats that move to the movements & actions of the movie you’re watching for a 4D experience. The movie houses literally program the seats to move precisely by the frame, so it is virtually a way to feel part of the action as it happens. The Pro: It is really neat at times. You can feel helicopter blades pulsate, you can feel the banking of turns when Iron Man is flying, you can feel jarred when something spooks you, and you feel HULK SMASH. It is definitely an experience. The Con: It does take some getting used to. It’s a bit jarring at first, as your body is not used to what is happening. But by the end of this 2.5 hr epic, your body is one with the seat, and you enjoy it. Oh, then there is the cost. I shelled out $19+ for the seat. Keep in mind this is Movie cost + Real 3D + D-Box experience. I would only spend this on a movie you know will give you a rush. Something with action, or a horror movie that you can feel nervous heartbeats & scary jolts. For something with lots of dialogue, you’ll be sitting in a non-moving seat for a premium price, but I digress.
Personal Opinion #2: After Real 3D and IMAX 3D experiences back-to-back, may I suggest you go to Real 3D 100% of the time vs the alternative. I’m sure there will be backlash from this statement. But let me tell you. The glasses are better (you don’t get those crazy lines that distort the image if you turn your head that can get you all sorts of messed up). The image is clearer (keep in mind movie houses film in HD formats that fit wide screens. Now they have to digitally manipulate that image to a MUCH LARGER IMAGE… the result is more grainy due to the initial resolution getting stretched out) which makes the 3D more impactful. And lastly, IMAX can be overwhelming if you don’t sit far enough away. You make even miss subtle periphery things of note as your eyes can only absorb so much. Trust me, you want Real 3D.
Haha, told you. I rant. I’m one page in, and NOW I’m getting to the movie. WELL, I suck… and you’re along for the ride. Just as The Avengers was 2.5 hrs, and you may have looked at your watch early, you’ll be here for the long haul and hopefully won’t look now until the end!
The movie is a sequel of sorts. By that, I mean, the plot assumes the following:
If you’ve done that homework, you can SORT OF get by. Do yourself a favor and take in Iron Man 1 & 2, as well as The Incredible Hulk so that some of my rants make sense.
In any case, LONG story short: Loki shows up. He steals the Tesseract to bring an army from across the Universe to Earth to take over as its ruler. The rest is putting the Avengers together, some minor battles, and the epic conclusion. Seems pretty simple for such a long movie, right? Well, before I get into the plot problems from a comic stance, how about from a directorial/producer stance.
And while my rants are on the movie specifically right now, I’d like to bring up some geeky questions that seem odd. I will not elaborate for those of you who aren’t familiar with the lore that has built up this franchise since the Silver Age of comics; I don’t have the time. Feel free to do the comic industry a favor, and read up on this. Your curiosity will be rewarded.
My other plotline inconsistencies would fit here too (Bifröst Bridge, Abyss, Loki’s seemingly underutilized powers).
You may think I hated this movie with all these criticisms. You would be wrong. I think this was a “GOOD” movie. It’s written as the first summer blockbuster. It’s for enjoyment and less thinking. Watch and enjoy. To be honest, there were other moments that were cheesy, but added to the lightness of the movie:
On a quick aside, and take it for what it’s worth, but Samuel L. Jackson plays Nick Fury as one would suspect. His quick one-liners are humerous. You will either laugh or be upset because it’s not original for him, other than the eye patch.
Speaking of character interpretation, I cannot imagine Tony’s smugness being portrayed any better than Robert Downey Jr.; excellent character portrayal. Also, Chris Hemsworth as Thor simply shines. Another fine interpretation. Chris Evans’ also does a fantastic job as Captain America. These heroes make for the lion’s share of dialogue thankfully, with the exception of Scarlett Johansson’s lackluster performance in this rendition of Black Widow. Lest I forget Tom Hiddleston as the archnemesis Loki. He continues his dominating performance from Thor into this movie. A jealous, conniving God of mischief who’s sadistic qualities knows no bounds; just an excellent job.
From a technical standpoint, the CGI used in creating The Hulk in his scenes was extraordinary. The D-Box addition made for some amazing moments of smashing and destruction. Probably the best use of the monster in film thus far. I say that, in no way, to state that The Incredible Hulk was lesser. I just state it because it is a highlight of the movie, and really they are engaging moments. Whedon, to his credit, sets us up with so much non-emotion from Banner, that when he becomes “The Other Guy” it is impactful and you get a sense of how important his sheer strength is to the team. That is something to be commended.
In conclusion, it is well worth seeing. If you can handle some slow dialogue in the beginning as the team forms, as well as the gaping holes that, to the common viewer who is less critical, will not take away from the movie’s meaning, you are in for a treat. I encourage you to see the digital Real 3D, and if you can, try to experience the D-Box seating. For the traditionalist, they’re just more gimmicks that allow a studio to be liberal when it comes to good plots & writing. But for something more experiential, these add layers that enhance the movie just enough to get through the movie remembering more than a bad line here & there, but the fact you jumped from shock as Hulk jarred the seat as he threw something straight at you. I encourage you enjoy this one, and I hope it’s soon. By the time The Dark Knight Rises arrives, this will feel less than what it could’ve been, but thoroughly enjoyable at the time.
Overall rating: 7.5
I’ve actually been sitting and delaying my writing a review for The Avengers for almost a day, having seen it in 3D at midnight on opening night. It’s because I was torn. So much of the movie I really enjoyed, then what I didn’t…. I really didn’t. And it took me a while to figure out why. I went to the show with someone who knows comics, but doesn’t know the ins and outs of the Avengers universe. She knows the characters, but not specific details, so being able to discuss it with her has been interesting and helped me figure out my issues with the film.
The movie is uneven to me. Some great action parts are followed with slow scenes that drag on. There’s awkward pauses and lines that sound like horrible B movie material. Special effects at times have the same result. The parts of the movie that work, work really well, and the rest, feel like a Joss Whedon television show. And there’s the rub and what my issue is… I’m not a Whedon fan. I didn’t enjoy Buffy, Angel, Firefly or Serenity. And his rather small scale of the past at times shows in a big budget film like this.
The first quarter of the movie, up until they’re all on the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarier is rubbish. The acting is bad, the lines laughable, and pacing completely off. Scenes make no sense and things aren’t explained (we’ll get back to that). It’s not until Thor’s arrival the movie takes off and then everyone’s “A” game begins to show. It takes Loki (a brilliant scene chewing Tom Hiddleston) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) to get everyone else to step up a bit.
But, I come back to the plot which have holes that giant mechanical space worms could fit through and questions that aren’t addressed at all. Here’s a few:
What happened to Loki at the end of Thor?
How did Thor arrive since the Bifrost bridge was destroyed?
Who the hell are Loki’s army and why do they give a shit about Earth?
What is the way too many numerous plans that Nick Fury references as if we’re supposed to know them?
Who is the Council and why do they have a say in anything? And why is a “world council” all white?
The highlights of the movie are Tom Hiddleston as Loki and the Hulk (not Ruffalo, but the CGI beast). Both steal the show. This is really the definition of a summer popcorn movie. Go in without notions, turn your brain off and watch things blow up and ignore the plot holes and lack of explanation of anything. But, even attempting to do that, I still wondered at times “What would Michael Bay do?” And the fact I did that got me to pause. Whedon is talented, but his lack of experience on this scale shows.
Direction: As explained above, this was the Joss Whedon show. There’s a pop culture zing at times and some great interaction, but it all seemed a bit too cutesy. This was The Avengers done Buffy. The tone was much more “comic booky” than the previous films. There were some great moments, even in the quieter times. Lines zinged along and punchy dialogue that’d make Kevin Smith’s head spin. Whedon though falls in the action part. The end battle uses shaky cam way too much, when a steadier shot would do. Special effects look like a Roger Corman Fantastic Four movie. This wasn’t the quality we’ve seen from those previously at the helm. Grade: 6
Acting: Hiddleston steals the show chewing every scene but not coming off as a goof. He’s excellent as Loki, much as he was in his previous appearance in the role. Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man is at his arrogant best. Chris Evans does quite well as Steve Rogers/Captain America and Chris Hemsworth as Thor continues the quality he showed off in his own movie. It was a CGI Hulk though that got the crowd going and I expect to see his own movie again in a few year’s time. The rest of the cast did their job not adding anything, but also not taking away from the enjoyment. Grade: 7
Plot: Holes the size of that giant thing at the end. So much not addressed, so many questions not answered. There’s just issues and issues here. Turn your brain off for this one. Grade: 5
Overall: The movie really sums up the issues many perceive of comics. It’s popcorn entertainment for kids that doesn’t challenge the mind. There’s also another issue that’s a problem for comics. This was one part of a multi-part story started in Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor. Much is left unanswered and not explained expecting you to have seen those movies. I get asked by my friends where to start to read comics, and often I’m left not sure of the answer. To me, this movie has a similar problem. Can you see it by itself? Sure. Is it coherent if you do? Not really. Marvel attempted to do something impressive with this movie by having a shared movie universe. But, in this execution, they fell a bit short. The movie is fun and enjoyable and definitely for the big screen where the giant explosions will get you to stop thinking for just a tiny bit. Overall Grade: 7
The German trailer for this summer’s the Avengers gives us a glimpse of some new scenes that I haven’t seen before. The movie hits US theaters May 4, 2012.
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Hitting the shelves this week, Marvel‘s next big movie, The Avengers graces the cover of Entertainment Weekly. The issue features some behind the scenes insight into next summer’s monster movie which comes out May 4. The movie brings together Robert Downey Jr.‘s Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth‘s Thor, Chris Evans‘ Captain America, Scarlett Johansson‘s Black Widow, Samuel L. Jackson‘s Nick Fury and newcomers Mark Ruffalo as The Incredible Hulk and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. The film is directed and written by Joss Whedon.
The world is still reeling from Superman renouncing his citizenship the death of Osama bin Laden. While you were out partying it up, here’s the news you might have missed.
Around the Blogs:
io9 – Does the Green Lantern movie introduce too many zany creatures? – There’s a fine line between pleasing geeks and confusing the audience.
Bleeding Cool – Jonathan Hickman And Esad Ribic To Relaunch The Ultimates – Maybe now is the time to start reading this line of comics?
Robot 6 – What will bin Laden’s death mean to Frank Miller’s Holy Terror? – You could still do the story, but pretty sure The Infidel beat him to the story.
Comics Alliance – ‘The Avengers’ Production Shut Down After Theft of Samuel L. Jackson’s Script? – One person to not mess with is Samuel L.
ICv2 – Retailers Advised to Unplug ‘Green Lantern Animated Light-Up Displays’ – Yeah, it’d suck if your store burned down.
Bleeding Cool – Mike Cotton Resigns From Wizard – Didn’t think we’d see such a big shake up this early in their transition. Good luck to all!
Around the Tubes Reviews:
Comic Book Resources – American Vampire #14
Blogomatic 3000 – Green Lantern: Secret Origin
The Fandom Post – Secret Six: Depths
Comic Book Resources – Uncanny X-Men #536
Newsarama – Best Shots Reviews: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, ACTION COMICS, More
