Ms Marvel Mini Series (2022) Review

Marvel has been in full force with its Disney+ TV Shows and Ms Marvel is the next to come out. I have watched all of the 6 episodes and here is my review for it. The premise of the shows sees a young Muslim girl get powers and have to decide how she can best use them to help her community. 

Main Character

Iman Vellani plays Kamala Khan and she does a really great job, especially considering this is one of her first acting roles. Kamala is a fun character and is a character that is easy to root for which really drives this show. Her powers are handled well enough despite the changes and I feel like this character is a completely different to any we have seen in the MCU and the show does a really great job of making me like Kamala. 

Supporting Characters

One of the best parts of this show is the relationships built up by Kamala and her friends and family. Zenobia Shroff & Mohan Kapur play her parents and they do a great job in the role, her mother is overly protective whereas her dad is more supportive but it really works and they have a great dynamic together and as a family. Matt Lintz plays her best friend Bruno and I liked their dynamic, it doesn't always work but when it does I think they are really good as friends and Lintz is a fun part of the show. But the issue comes with the characterisation of the villains of the show, it is very clear that they are an afterthought and it really doesn't work, it takes too long for them to get introduced and then even when they are on the show they are just so dull and one dimensional. 

Story 

It is fun seeing Kamala's transition from average girl to superpowered hero, she deals with plenty of issues and they do a really great job of building up this character and her journey throughout the show. But as I mentioned above, it misses the mark with its villains and overall direction, it takes too long to get into its story and it doesn't give enough time to really make you care. 

Script

The script has some good drama in their, despite the underdeveloped story I did end up caring because of some well written dialogue and decent performances. The humour is also alright, there are some chuckle worthy moments but it never makes me laugh too much and the drama does miss the mark at times. 

Style 

The show has a really unique style to it, especially in the first few episodes. It is bright and colourful which is good to see, it also has some pretty good action scenes in it that kept me entertained. But the shows pacing is all over the place, I really didn't like the first two episodes and it did get better but I never could get fully engrossed into it. 

Overall

Overall, Ms Marvel is an above average show that does a good job in introducing this new character but the overall making of the show isn't quite good enough. 

Rating - 6/10

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) Review

One of the most hyped films, Thor: Love and Thunder is out and I have now finally had a chance to watch it and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees Thor attempting to work himself out when he must team up with his ex Jane Foster in order to stop a new enemy. 

Main Character

Chris Hemsworth has now played Thor for 11 Years and he could play the role in his sleep. He is great in this film and he is just so good as the character and has made him into a really fun lead character. Thor had a great story arc in Avengers Endgame and it kind of continues here with his character getting an interesting deep dive with a continued progression which is good to see. 

Supporting Characters

Natalie Portman as Jane Foster was a pretty dull part of the previous Thor films but I actually liked her here and I definitely feel like this is the best she has done. Seeing her take up the role of Mighty Thor is really entertaining and seeing the two Thor's in action adds something fresh to the film. The story between the two of them is well handled and I thought this was the most chemistry that Portman and Hemsworth have had. Tessa Thompson is back as Valkyrie and she is pretty fun once again, her character doesn't get much development but she is always entertaining and Thompson is clearly having a lot of fun in the role. But there are some falters here, Christian Bale plays Gorr The God Butcher and it just didn't work for me. He was a dull villain who wasn't given enough time for you to really care and Bale switches from intense to goofy too often for me and it just makes his character feel inconsistent. Korg is one of my favourite characters in the MCU but he is in this film way too much and his overuse of comedy is too forced and takes away from the overall product. I think it shows that he is best in smaller doses and they shouldn't have him as front and centre as he is here. 

Story 

The story is at its best when it focuses on the relationship between Thor and Jane. There is some real drama here mixed with some nice humour, in interviews it was claimed it would be the biggest part of that film and it succeed here. But the story just feels incredibly rushed and a bit all over the place, it tries to balance really serious moments with comedy and it really doesn't work at all with an ending that also didn't quite work for me. 

Script 

The script is actually quite funny, its not as funny as Ragnarok but there are some chuckle worthy moments. There is some good drama here that is actually quite dark which I don't think people would be expecting to see here. But the film goes way too hard on the comedy and it just doesn't work, the two things clash and create this mess of a script. 

Style 

The film looks really good, the action is pretty exciting and in this day of age the CGI looks really good. Seeing the two Thor's in action is really fun and made the action scenes a bit more fun then it would have been if it had just been Thor. But the film isn't paced very well, it clocks in at around 1 hour 45 and it feels rushed. Also as good as it is, there wasn't one action set piece that really stood out for me. 

Overall

Overall, Thor: Love and Thunder is an above average film that has its moments but it falls way short of expectations and I think only big MCU fans will appreciate it as much as me. 

Rating - 6/10

The Boys Season 3 (2022) Review 

For me, The Boys has been one of the most consistently entertaining TV shows over the last few years and the third season of the show has just finished on Amazon Prime and I have watched it all and here is my review. The premise of the season sees Homelander having to deal with the fallout of dating the Nazi Stormfront and The Boys looking for different methods in there mission to stop the super powered. 

Main Character

Anthony Starr plays Homelander once again and I really don't think it is a stretch to say he gives the best performance of anybody in any TV show currently. The character of Homelander has so much depth to him and this season you really see this man with all this power dealing with issues that he can't always deal with. He contrasts so well with our other main character Billy Butcher played by Karl Urban, he is so gruff but the show really delves into his character and starts to give us more depth into who Butcher really is and why he is so motivated by his goals even when there is clear ethical issues. Both of them give fantastic performances and there differences is what really makes them stand out as special characters. 

Supporting Characters

There are so many characters on The Boys that I won't be able to talk about them so I am going to try and keep it to the main ones here. Jack Quaid is back as Hughie and the show does more with his character then in the previous seasons. He is more involved with the action and I like how his relationship with Starlight is highlighted and how that has really changed over the show. Speaking of Starlight, Erin Moriarty does a great job in the role and she is really pushed with her acting chops this season. I really like the dynamic between her and Hughie but she has her own interesting personal story that gets plenty of time and is handled well. Laz Alonso is given way more screen time as Mothers Milk, there is real humanity to his character and it is so cool seeing him able to stretch his acting chops and give potentially the most depth to a performance. Jensen Ackles makes his debut as Soldier Boy and he knocks it out of the park, this sort of Captain America spoof is darker and the perfect character to introduce here and I love seeing how his introduction changes everything up and adds uncertainty. The rest of the whole cast do a fantastic job with so many giving top notch performances. 

Story

The show does a fantastic job with the storytelling in terms of creating fascinating characters that make you care and be intrigued by them. There is real emotion from these characters and the story has enough twists and turns to keep you invested. But, since the beginning of the show I have always said The Boys has too much going on in terms of the amount of story elements and this season is no different, with pretty much everything being interesting but not exactly feeling connected. Also certain things teased at the end of the previous season wasn't quite fulfilled here. 

Script 

The script is fantastic, the dialogue is both funny and tragic. The characters are really well realised by the personalities that they are given which is credit to the writing and acting. The show always keeps you on your toes and I think it is one of those that you never know what is coming next. 

Style 

The show looks fantastic, you can tell that Prime Video put a huge budget behind The Boys and it pays off. The action scenes are well done and this show is still as gory as ever, it does not hold back in terms of the sex and violence. It might be too much for some people, but I think by now you know if you are going to like The Boys or not so it shouldn't be an issue. 

Overall

Overall, this is a fantastic season of The Boys and is probably my favourite one yet. This show won't be for everybody but it is so unique and definitely worth a watch just to see if it could be for you. 

Rating - 9/10 

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) Mini Series Review 

After years of hype, Obi-Wan Kenobi has had its run, with the show finishing on Disney+ today and here is my review for the whole show. The premise of the show sees Obi-Wan Kenobi dragged into a new adventure while trying not to expose himself and be hunted by Darth Vader. 

Main Character

Ewan McGregor is back as the title role and I thought he was fantastic. He slips back into the role really well and he sells the pain and troubles that he has gone through since the events during The Clone Wars. He still has some comedic charm to him, but it is really cool seeing this slightly older and more jaded character being dragged back in really against his will. Just seeing this guy who clearly loves the character get the chance to continue his story is great to see. 

Supporting Characters

Hayden Christensen reprises his role as Darth Vader and it is amazing to watch. The way Vader has been handled the last few years has been incredible and for me this is probably the best he has ever been. He has basically been turned into a horror villain and he is just such an intimidating presence that it really works and obviously there is the emotional connection with him and Kenobi. Vivien Lyra Blair plays the young Leia Organa and I thought she was fantastic, it felt like she was born to play this role and the chemistry between herself and McGregor is excellent. Indira Varma plays Tala and I really liked her performance, she is a strong female character and you can see how her character affects both Leia and Obi-Wan. Moses Ingram plays Reeva and I have to be honest for the first 4 episodes I thought she was the worst part of the show, but they finally give her some character and development that definitely makes her more bearable. O Shea, Jackson Jr, Rupert Friend and Joel Edgerton also do good jobs in their smaller roles. 

Story   

The story is good, I really liked the focus on Obi-Wan's regrets from the prequels and how it basically moulded the villainous Empire and Vader. The focus of the show is at its best when it really delves into the relationship between Obi-Wan & Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, it is some fantastic stuff and progresses both characters well. But the show doesn't do this enough, it focuses on a few too many areas, with some of it not being that interesting. I wish the show had focused on Vader more and trimmed the fat on some of the other elements of the show. 

Script 

The script is good, the dialogue is really well handled and I thought there was a great blend of drama and humour. It never feels like an over the top melodrama or a full on laugh out loud comedy and balances them well. Even though there is too much going on, it is all written pretty well and is entertaining enough. 

Style 

The show looks amazing, the fight scenes are grafted incredibly well and especially with Vader this is some of the best Star Wars action that has ever been put on screen. The CGI and effects are obviously great and it is cool to see some new locations that really stand out. The show is paced well and kept me invested throughout the 6 episode run. 

Overall

Overall, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a fantastic show that feels like it was made for fans of this character and Star Wars. If there is future series then I would be highly excited for it. 

Overall - 9/10

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Review 

Even though it has been out for a few weeks, I have now had the chance to watch Top Gun: Maverick and here is my review for it. The premise of the film is set 30 years after the original film with Maverick having to teach a new group of recruits to give them the best chance of surviving a dangerous mission. 

Main Character

Tom Cruise is back as Maverick in one of his most iconic roles and he knocks it out of the park. This version of the character is really well realised, he still has that cocky bravado towards him but there is more pain to his role and he is thrust into this position that he is not completely comfortable with. This is one of his strongest performances over the last few years and it is great to see him really committed here. 

Supporting Characters

Miles Teller plays Rooster, the son of Goose from the previous film and he is fantastic in the film. There is real heart to his performance and the dynamic between himself and Cruise is done really well in the film. It was probably my favourite part of the film and that is a credit to the two actors to deliver emotion to both of the characters. Jennifer Connolly plays Maverick's new love interest and I thought they worked really well together and it was just nice to see. She is a pretty cool character in her own right and it is a nice part of the film instead of being a boring side plot. Jon Hamm basically plays the military boss who disagrees with Maverick and though he is frustrating, Hamm does a really good job and he is a good contrast to Maverick in the film. All the young pilots are really great too and I can see big futures for their careers, especially Glenn Powell who plays Hangman. Probably one of the best parts of the film is seeing Val Kilmer reprise his role as Iceman, due to his real life illness it is difficult but I cant deny and say it is really well handled and adds plenty to the story. 

Story 

The story is really well handled, it is way more serious then the original Top Gun and that was definitely the right root to take. There is a real raw emotion to the characters here and the situation they are put in, it feels like this group are training for a high stakes mission and the film did a great job of that. You really will care about them and want to see the twists and turns that the film is going to take. 

Script

The script is fantastic, the charm and humour that you would want from a Top Gun film is here. But it is the extra layer of emotion and care that rises it above, the characters are well written and the story is well crafted and built up well. 

Style 

The films style is incredible, the flying scenes can now truly hit their true potential with todays technology and they are amazing. The cinematography is some of the best you will ever see and it keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. The film is also incredibly well paced and I was never bored with it being a brilliant film. 

Overall

Overall, Top Gun Maverick is an Epic film and one of the best films in the last few years. It maybe the best sequel of an older film that has been made and this is a must watch for everybody in my opinion. 

Rating - 10/10

Top Gun (1986) Review 

So I aim to watch Top Gun: Maverick this week and in my preparation I thought I would go back and watch the original Top Gun and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a young cocky upstart join a school for fighter pilots where he has to learn plenty about himself in order to truly thrive. 

Main Character

Tom Cruise plays Maverick and this is one of his more iconic roles and he gives a really fun performance. His young, confident performance fits the character really well and you can't help but gravitate towards Maverick, the film then explores more into his character and you do end up caring for him and want to see him have a good ending. 

Supporting Characters

Anthony Edwards plays Goose, him and Cruise are fantastic together and have a great on screen chemistry. You feel this relationship and friendship has been crafted over many years and the two actors are really good with Edwards giving as energetic a performance as Cruise. Val Kilmer places Iceman and you can see how he is the polar opposite of Maverick, he is more cold and calculated instead of the risky attitude of Maverick. Though he is pretty much the villain of the film, you understand where he is coming from and he is just trying to do the best for himself and his wingman. Kelly McGillis plays Charlie who is the main love interest and she is good in the film. I like their relationship and how it develops throughout the film, she is a cool character and a good love companion. Tom Skerrit plays the main instructor and he is just a really cool guy, who treats his students fair but clearly cares and wanting them to succeed. 

Story 

The story is pretty basic, it really focuses on the romance and it works pretty well. The dynamic between the two actors work well and it is a well functioning romance. The dogfights are pretty cool and the characters do get time and it feels like they are fleshed out well enough. I just wish the film had spent more time focusing on the training school and a bit less on the romance, I felt like actually seeing them work through Top Gun more would have been really cool. 

Script 

The script is pretty well handled, yes it is extremely cheesy and at times that does come across too much but it fits the film. The film has decent drama and humour, it is just some of it feels too much and like it isn't serious enough. 

Style 

For a film that came out in 1986, the plane fight scenes are fantastic and feel really epic in scale, you feel like you are sitting with Maverick & Goose in the cockpit. The film also has an amazing soundtrack which has become iconic over the years, it really gets you into what is happening on screen. 

Overall

Overall, Top Gun is a great film that has stood the test of time. If you are one of the few who hasn't seen it then I would suggest a watch, especially with the great buzz around Top Gun: Maverick. 

Rating - 8/10

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) Review

After a long wait, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has finally come to cinemas and today and I have watched it and here is my review for what was my most anticipated film of 2022. The premise of the film sees after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Stephen Strange has to deal with more misgivings with the Multiverse that could lead to major ramifications. 

Main Character

Benedict Cumberbatch is once again back as Dr Stephen Strange and he is fantastic in the role. The film does a really good job of expanding his character, as in the recent team up films we haven't had a huge chance to do that. This film continues his character journey from the original film and Cumberbatch absolutely nails it. 

Supporting Characters

After WandaVision I truly realised just how great Elisabeth Olsen is as Wanda Maximoff and she shines here. Her character is given real shine here and her development is probably my favourite part of the film and I am glad it is given the time and justice for the character and actress. Benedict Wong gets more screen time as Wong and he is actually one of the most underrated characters in the MCU and I love the dynamic between him and Cumberbatch as they have developed into one of my favourite partnerships and this is the most we have seen of it. Xochitl Gomez plays America Chavez and she is a fun character, I don't really know anything about her character in the comics but she was a well fleshed out character here. Again the dynamic between her and Strange is well realised and feels like a friendship that we can care about. Rachel McAdams is back as Christine Palmer and she is better realised here then she was in the previous film and I liked how her character was used throughout the film. 

Story 

The story is good, this film does plenty of good character work and the main characters progress nicely and it really helps with the plot. You understand where they are all coming from and how things progress feels fluid. But, this film doesn't hit all the points, there are things from the previous film that are seemingly ignored and I understand it couldn't quite fit here but I was disappointed that it was clearly ignored. Also one character's ending didn't quite work for me and I think it could have been handled a bit better. 

Script 

The script is really good, the mix of humour and drama is really well realised. This film actually feels quite unique considering it is in the MCU but the writing is still really clever and it just suits this film. 

Style 

The film looks amazing, he film doesn't jump all over the place with its aspect ratio this time which is great. The CGI looks amazing and the tone is so interesting. This is the closest the MCU will ever get to a horror film and these elements feel really unique to a Marvel film and that made it really stand out to me. It is actually paced really well, which I was a little worried about and despite a lot going on it manages to all link up well. 

Overall

Overall, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a fantastic film, you have to have watched the first Doctor Strange and WandaVision to truly appreciate it but this unique and entertaining film is definitely worth the watch. 

Rating - 9/10