“Gantz” is a 37-volume manga series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku from 2000-2013, whose worldwide distribution has sold an excess of over 20 million copies. Hallmarked by its sexual overtones and sadistically gory aesthetic in tandem with deep sociological, psychological and anthropological themes dissecting morality, it is considered one of the most controversial seinen…
Alex Garland’s Annihilation is a complex puzzle, mixing the extraterrestrial with the most microbial elements of humanity. Its characterization is strong throughout — as its themes are mirrored in its leading lady — but its most promising components come in the form of visual metaphors. They’re scattered strategically throughout the 115-minute science fiction thinker. Where…
Since 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) model has introduced ingenious engineers, Norse gods, space raiders and sorcerers. These superpowered figures appear in films that incorporate elements from World War II movies, space opera, heist films, alien invasions and conspiracy thrillers. With varying levels of dramatic success, the framework of a superhero figure in [insert…
Anthologies are a kind of a risk/reward endeavor. It’s a great way to keep a series fresh and innovative, especially as age goes against it, but iconography can often ruin those kind of plans. Remember when “Halloween” was supposed to be an anthology series? Not only did “Halloween” become too popular for its own good,…
With Venom it’s Tom Hardy’s turn to get in on the comic book movie craze. In it, he takes a turn as Eddie Brock (please forget when Topher Grace had a turn in “Spider-Man 3”), a down on his luck journalist. But as luck would have it, his weakened mental state makes him a perfect…
The “Merc with a Mouth” aka Deadpool is back from his explosive intro in “Deadpool” with a nice and shiny new (and amazingly not red-band) trailer to Deadpool 2. Along with his 4th wall breaks and general disregard for manners or socially acceptable behavior, his frenemy Cable (Josh Brolin) makes his much hyped appearance in…
In “Ant-Man” viewers were surprised with a small (and giant) Thomas the Tank Engine having a profound impact in the action and in its sequel, Ant-Man and the Wasp, a giant PEZ dispenser is served up for recognizable laughs. What else Marvel Studios has in store in their latest addition to their cinematic universe isn’t…
