The pieces are now in place. With this weeks release of Captain America: The First Avenger Marvel has officially assembled its Avengers on screen. Yet how do does its final hero stand amongst the ranks of its fellow blockbusters? Captain America is easily the best Marvel Studios film released in recent years, but it may not be enough to dethrone the Studio's spectacular start with Jon Favreau's Iron Man.

A weakling his entire life, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants nothing more to serve his country alongside his best friend Bucky Rogers (Sebastian Stan). With a war waging in Europe, Rogers wants not only to do his part, but ,as a man who has been picked on constantly since birth, to stand up to the world's ultimate bully the Nazi Party. Opportunity presents itself in the form a super serum created by former German scientist Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), who finds Rogers to be the perfect test subject, much to the chagrin of Col. Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones). Rogers, joined by technological genius Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) and the beautiful British agent Peggy Carter (Haley Atwell) finds himself soon part of a sect of the war that he never knew existed.

Captain America as directed by Joe Johnston plays out like a classic adventure film, very much in vein of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The plot contains creative set pieces, snarling Nazi villains, a bombastic heroic score, an often clever style of humor, mystical weapons from god like powers, and moments of godlike heroism. It would not seem strange at all to find Captain America and Indiana Jones fighting side by side against HYDRA agents.

This in many ways is one of the films only faults. Although this sense of adventure often pays off through exciting  action sequences and clever moments throughout, Captain America at times does not execute this design choice as effectively as it should. The opening sequences of the film often feel awkward, as Johnston attempts to ease into the world he has created. While Rogers's spirit is endearing, he at times feels one and almost saint like in his weakling heroism. This disappears as the film progresses, but those awkward moments at the films start are enough to drag the film down ever slightly. The classic sense of adventure also sometimes strays away from fun and into fleeting points of corniness, which isn't helped by the film's heroic and sometimes bombastic score.

Despite this flaw, Captain America excels as blockbuster entertainment and as a film. The plot is fun and for the most part cleverly paced. The action scenes are exciting and surprisingly brutal for a Marvel film. The film even portrays one of the best romances to grace a comic book adaptation since Spider-man 2. You will never find yourself bored. The characters are engaging, the action is exciting, and the humor is surprisingly funny. Michael Bay could learn a lesson or two from Johnston on how to tell a joke in a summer action flick.

However, the real stars of Captain  America are, oddly enough, its actors. Chris Evans is a empathetic and powerful lead. Despite early scene script pratfalls, Evans sells Rogers as an earnest hero at heart. He creates a hero, that while lacking the depth and energy or Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark, proudly stands amongst Marvel's heroes.

Even then, it is the supporting cast that truly steals the show. Haley Atwell is largely who sells the compelling romance of the film, and also plays a pretty fun WWII era spy. Dominic Cooper creates a Howard Stark that is every bit the father of the Tony we have come to love. Hugo Weaving plays the villainous Red Skull with brilliant Nazi evil, making a villain that could have easily done battle with a certain archaeologist. Sebastian Stan is also notable as Roger's childhood sidekick. Yet, the real scene stealer is Tommy Lee Jones's Col. Phillips. Jones has an undeniable screen presence and delivers the majority of the films humor with unbreakable deadpan.

If the script had been a bit tighter in its portrayal of the environment and the growth of Rogers as the title character, The First Avenger could have easily become the best. However as it stands now, Captain America stands as a great entry into the Marvel mythos.

Score: B+

Although not the most revealing or interesting trailer ever released, Marvel has now released the teaser for the upcoming Joss Whedon directed Avengers adpatation.

Marvel has officially won Comic Con with perhaps the most impressive movie panel of all time.


Following the end of the comic book company's panel for the upcoming Thor adaptation, a teaser for the upcoming Avengers film slipped its way onto the massive screen overlooking the audience. As the logo for the film slowly grew on the screen Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury recited the most famous quote in the history of the Avengers: "And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's Mightiest Heroes found themselves united against a common threat. On that day...the Avengers were born."


Following the end of the teaser, Jackson himself stepped onto stage and slowly introduced the entire cast of the film as the joined him on stage: Scarlet Johansen as Black Widow, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, and introducing Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Finally, Robert Downey Jr. himself stepped on stage.


With a triumphant statement of confidence, he welcomed writer and director Joss Whedon himself up. As the the applause of the theater grew to a deafening roar, Whedon and Downey Jr. addressed the issues regarding the ambition of the project. Both assured the crowd of screaming fans that the project was indeed in good hands. And for once in a convention so often filled with cynicism, everyone agreed.


Information and image courtesy of IGN.com

It appears that the Hulk has finally been cast. After several weeks of rumors and leaked names it appears that actor Mark Ruffalo has landed the role.

According to Deadline Hollywood, the The Kids Are All Right actor has just recently signed a contract to appear as the angry green giant in the upcoming superhero adaptation. An official announcement should not be far down the road.

Joss Whedon has been dropping alot of hints about his upcoming megablockbuster The Avengers. While the project has rumored for years and casting hints have been leaked onto the internet for months now, for the first time Whedon has confirmed and denied numerous peices of information that have leaked onto the Internet.

Thanks to an interview with ontheredcarpet.com (seenbelow), the Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator confirmed that Academy Award nominated actor Jeremy Renner will in fact be playing the arrow shooting Hawkeye in the comic book adaptation.



Also, in less positive news. Whedon has dropped some conflicting and confusing reports about fan favorite actor Nathan Fillion playing the role of Ant Man. Fillion (Firefly)has been rumored to play the size changing super hero for months, and yesterday Whedon appeared to confirm his appearance in the film. However, Marvel has issued a statement claiming that Whedon's apparent announcement was in fact a joke. Since then the director has gone on record with the following quote: "Nathan Fillion is Ant-Man, unfortunately Ant-Man isn't really in the movie."

What exactly that means will be left up to interpretation.

Marvel has been dominating the film news airwaves these past few days. Despite the controversy surrounding Ed Norton and the recasting of the Hulk, both Avengers and the more child friendly adaptation of the award winning comic Runaways have begun production plans.

Production Weekly announced yesterday that Runaways, along with the second Clash of the Titans film and Sam Raimi's Oz The Great And Powerful, will begin filming early next summer. Coincidentally this is the same time that Joss Whedon has scheduled the Avengers to begin production.

Bleeding Cool has also announced that Whedon has begun location hunting in Manhattan, hoping to add a down to Earth feel for the film. Apaprently, work has also begun on designing the iconic S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier's that will feature prominently throughout the movie.

After the rather disastrous Hulk film original released in 2003, Marvel released a tentative reboot in 2008. Titled the Incredible Hulk afte the classic comic series, the film placed Edward Norton (Fight Club) as the title character an was critically acclaimed but only enjoyed modest financial success. Due to plans announced prior to the film's release, it was assumed that Norton would continue his role into future films, including 2012's Joss Whedon directed Avengers adaptation. However, this no longer appears to be the case.

Originally announced by HitFix and later Marvel studios, Edward Norton will not be reprising his role as Bruce Banner in the Avengers. Marvel executive Kevin Feige issued the following statement about the announcement: "Our decision is definitely not one based on monetary factors, but instead rooted in the need for an actor who embodies the creativity and collaborative spirit of our other talented cast members. The Avengers demands players who thrive working as part of an ensemble, as evidenced by Robert [Downey], Chris [Hemsworth], Chris (Evans), Sam [Jackson], Scarlett [Johansson], and all of our talented casts. We are looking to announce a name actor who fulfills these requirements, and is passionate about the iconic role in the coming weeks." It is also reported that a replacement is to be announced at this year's San Diego Comic Con.

However, this statement was not well received by Norton and his agent, Brian Swardstrom. Swardstrom offered this rebuttal: "We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige's mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige's statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel's fans."

While it is uncertain where exactly the debate will go next, Marvel is beginning its search for a replacement actor. CHUD claims that Marvel has approached Gladiator and Walk the Line acotr Joaquin Phoenix to play the tormented scientist in the upcoming Avengers film.

There are few movies out there bigger then the Avengers. With a critically acclaimed director attatched, and about half a dozen blockbuster superheroes it is easy to see why the film will lilkely be a success. However, with any big upcoming blockbuster there are rumors.


Comicbookmovie.com reported today that information has surfaced regarding the casting of Hank Pym (a.k.a Yellowjacket, Ant Man, Giant Man) and his sometimes wife Janet Van Dyne better known as the Wasp. Nathan Fillion, a regular of director Joss Whedon having starred in his cult classic sci-fi series Firefly, is negotiations to play the former while Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) will play that latter.


However, there is still heavy speculation on whether the characters will in fact appear as their super powered alter egos, or just as scientists for the government agency S.H.I.E.L.D.

Marvel has just handed over its company to the devil. Joe Quesada, the creator of the One More Day atrocity, has now become creative head for Marvel. I'm so upset and emotionally spent by this news I'm not even going to write more about it. For those interested, I have posted the press release given to Superherohype.com.

Marvel Entertainment, LLC announced today that it has promoted Joe Quesada to Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment. In this new role, Quesada will work alongside Alan Fine, Executive Vice President, Office of the President and Chairman of Marvel Studios' Creative Committee, to ensure that all portrayals of Marvel's characters and storytelling remain true to the essence of Marvel's rich history. Additionally, Quesada will provide creative oversight of all areas of Marvel's business including theatrical, television, publishing, animation and games, while also actively participating in all story and script development for Marvel's films and animation. Prior to this promotion, Quesada held the role of Chief Creative Officer & Editor-In-Chief, Marvel Animation & Publishing and oversaw the creative aspects of Marvel Comics and Marvel Animation. The announcement was made today by Fine, to whom Quesada will report.

Fine stated, "I am excited to have Joe join me as Marvel Entertainment enters the next chapter in our history. Joe has already played an instrumental role as Editor-in-Chief in changing the face of the comic book industry with bold new ventures and an unprecedented penetration of the mainstream consciousness. His love and passion for Marvel, along with his experience guiding publishing for the last decade, will be invaluable as we bring our characters to life in new media."

"I am honored to take this new position at Marvel Entertainment and work with Alan to bring the rich history of Marvel to a brand new audience" said Quesada. "Together with the incredible talent here at Marvel, in all our divisions, I look forward to making Marvel an even bigger part of the entertainment industry and showing why we've been an industry leader for over 70 years."

Quesada will also continue to serve as Editor-In-Chief, Marvel Publishing, where over the past decade he has helped usher in bold new imprints such as "Marvel Knights," the "Ultimate Universe" and "Marvel MAX." During his tenure, Marvel received acclaim for its "Heroes" special to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001; the groundbreaking "Death of Captain America" storyline; and President Obama's historic team up with Spider-Man. Quesada is also one of the industry's most popular artists, providing cover and interior art to blockbusters such as "Amazing Spider-Man," "Daredevil," Invincible Iron Man" and more.

So there you have it. Sugar coating a bad decision. Thanks again to Superherohype.com for the quote.

There are few actors that are as praised in the nerd community then Nathan Fillion, star of Firefly, Dr. Horrible, and Castle. Now, Fillion looks to establish an even bigger cult following. Rumors began circulating today that Fillion will be starring as the super hero Ant Man in the upcoming Avengers film, coincidentally directed by Firefly creator Joss Whedon. The validity of this statement is unknown, but it has been picked up by Playlist Nation and Marvelous News, adding some credibility to an almost too good to be true rumor.

2012 is shaping up to be the most crowded and chaotic summer in recent memory. Warner Bros. announced today that the sequel to the award winning The Dark Knight will premiere July 20, 2012, just several weeks after the controversial Spider-man reboot enters the fray. Batman will have his work cut out for him. The summer of 2012 is filled with big budget special effects movies that will certainly eat away at a potential audience. Batman faces opposition from the board game adaptation Battleship (May 25), Star Trek 2 (June 29), The Avengers (May 4), and the tentatively scheduled Godzilla reboot. One things for sure, 2012 will end the world with a cinematic bang.

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Also it appears as if X-men will be jumping on the vampire wagon. Their new roster, which ranges from Blade to Spider-man, will be combating vampires when the new volume of X-men opens this fall. The new X-men series reportedly features a more mission based story structure, and will feature guest stars from numerous Marvel comics. I can sense the necessary Deadpool appearance already. There will also be a relaunching of X-force, and several new Wolverine stories including centric stories on Dakin and a trip through hell.



Also, among the most surprising news is that Steve Rogers will step down form the role of Captain America. Although his new title is yet to be revealed there will be two short series following the character in his transition. First, Steve Rogers: Super Soldier will follow Steve's new title, and Captain America: Patriot will follow Captain America's Cold War adventures. This new version of Steve Rogers will also appeared in the new Secret Avengers series.




Finally, we reach perhaps the most controversial series of the convention. Spider-man: O.M.I.T. (One Moment In Time) is designed to fill in the gaps created by the poorly received One More Day retcon. The series will center around the central point of the changes, Spider-man's marriage. The story arc will reveal numerous aspects of Peter's life that have remained a mystery until now. However, most of all it will be a painful reminder of one of the worst decisions in Marvel history.

Looks like our speculation has remained accurate. Moon Knight and Valkyire have now been revaled to be the new members of the Secret Avengers. Personally, I'm excited. While not completely familiar of Valkyrie, I am a huge Moon Knight fan. Having him on an Avengers team is very exciting.

Remember a few weeks ago I did that massive post on the rosters for Marvel's new superhero teams? Among them were the mysterios Secret Avengers, whose identities were hidden at the time. Marvel has just announced the first two team members for the upcoming comic series. It looks like our sources were not far off after all.

Well, this week we have had an explosion of Marvel related news. We have news on everything from Iron Man 2, Captain America, Thor, and even the Avengers film! Gasp!

Iron Man 2:


Director Jon Favreau confirmed that production on Iron Man 2 has ended. In addition to this, he also confirmed that the superhero sequel would contain numerous connections to the upcoming Thor and Captain America films. There are even hints at a Thor cameo.

Thor:


The Los Angeles times recently held an interview with Thor director Kenneth Branagh, which revealed numerous details on the newest Marvel film. Branagh confirmed that the film is about two thirds done at this point. He also discussed the issues of having to tell a film in a Norse God setting and a modern day comic book universe: "Inspired by the comic book world both pictorially and compositionally at once, we've tried to find a way to make a virtue and a celebration of the distinction between the worlds that exist in the film but absolutely make them live in the same world. It's about finding the framing style, the color palette, finding the texture and the amount of camera movement that helps celebrate and express the differences and the distinctions in those worlds. If it succeeds, it will mark this film as different... The combination of the primitive and the sophisticated, the ancient and the modern, I think that potentially is the exciting fusion, the exciting tension in the film."

Captain America

After last weeks announcement that Chris Evans would be playing the films title character, this week we have announcement that Sebastian Stan would be playing Captain America's sidekick Bucky. Bucky has evolved from a plucky teen sidekick in the early days of Marvel to a violent and deadly assassin in modern days.

Avengers


Originally thought to be an April Fool's joke, IESB reported yesterday that the 2012 Avengers film will be directed by legendary writer/director Joss Whedon (Serenity, Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Although, IESB has repeatedly reported that this is not a joke. If so, I'm sure there is going to be quiet a bit of excitement throughout the nerd community.