It’s disappointing that, rather than take its time with the relationship of Erik and Xavier, the two very quickly descend into the same arguments they did in X-Men 1 and 2. This doesn’t bode well for any future sequels, which are going to have to work hard to strike out in original directions.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: 
Continue reading X-Men: First Class
It doesn’t take much to reference another character or plot in the Marvel canon, but each time it provides another layer of enjoyment for fans of the comics, and, for comic book non-aficionados like myself, a greater sense of understanding of the world according to Marvel.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor:
Anthony Hopkins is one of those actors who’d astonish even if he were merely reading out the phone book, and the other highlight is Jaimie Alexander, a little known actress that fulfils her Xena-type role as Sif rather well. Idris Elba is good as Heimdall, though he seems too restricted in his Big Shiny Helmet.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: 
Continue reading Thor
Despite all the bullets flying, there are very few deaths – to the extent that it is distracting. You see, apparently only foreigners are allowed to die in films like this – the only actual deaths are relegated to balaclava-clad black ops people from places like South Africa.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Red
It’s hard to pick standouts from such a fantastic ensemble, but my favourites include Alison Pill as Scott’s ex and drummer in his band, Kieran Culkin as Scott’s gay roommate, and Ellen Wong as Knives Chau, Scott’s high school girlfriend.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: 
Continue reading Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Scarlett Johansson joins the fold as Natalie Rushman, another wonderfully strong female character that completely mystifies Stark simply because she betrays no emotion whatsoever, something that – quite frankly – terrifies the playboy in him.
Rating: Hoopla Factor:
Observant viewers will notice Captain America’s shield repurposed by Stark, while a post-credit sequence points to another film soon to come. Fans of the comics may love these little touches, although there is a danger of marketing too heavily while cross-promoting.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Iron Man 2
It’s incredible just how grounded in reality this action comedy is. Every step of the way, we’re reminded that this is real life and you can get hurt. The point is so effectively made that every time an action scene popped up, I was actually very nervous for Dave and others.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Kick-Ass
Beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, the film doesn’t stay there too long, which is a pity because it’s fun seeing James Logan and Victor Creed grow apart as they fight side by side through various wars. From that point on it’s basically a fancy role call as we meet one mutant after another.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: Continue reading X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Strangely, after all the complex, conflicting and dark characterisations and backstories, it’s hard to be impressed with the action scenes. They are brutally impressive, and drive home the idea that what these ‘heroes’ do isn’t heroic at all, but they’re not all that exciting.
Rating: Hoopla Factor:
That superheroes are (usually) people too is drummed into the viewer with all the subtlety of the giant particulate penis of Dr Manhattan – these people often seem better suited to straightjackets rather than the more traditional cowl and cape.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Watchmen
Despite the glorious world on show, it all comes a bit too easily, so the film doesn’t feel as epic as it should. It deals with the nature of the greater good in its own simple way, and is quite effective in doing so, even if it pales in comparison to the complexity of other comic book movies.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Audiences may have taken a collective breath in the first time they saw Jolie hang out the windshield of a sportscar and shoot at pursuers, or assassins bend the path of their bullets, were they not to have seen those things many, many times over in the saturation advertising for the film’s release.
Rating: Hoopla Factor:
Wanted makes a lot more sense than his previous films, but that’s only because the story is paper-thin. Wanted is VERY trashy. It doesn’t even pretend that the plot is there for any other reason than to take us to the next action set piece.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Wanted