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

Marvel is making sure to build sufficient hype for its upcoming megablockbusters based on Captain Ameirca and Thor. Both will be seen for the first time at Comic Con later this week. Not only has Marvel released some awesome poster art for both films, (Seen above and below) the official sites have launched.



Thor

Captain America

The Los Angeles time has also posted an interview with Captain America director Joe Johnston.
In it he discusses details around the character of Steve Rogers and the plot of the upcoming comic book adaptation:

"We're sort of putting a slightly different spin on Steve Rogers," said Joe Johnston, "He's a guy that wants to serve his country but he's not a flag-waver. We're reinterpretating sort of what the comic book version of Steve Rogers was."

"He wants to serve his country, but he's not this sort of jingoistic American flag-waver," Johnston added. "He's just a good person. We make a point of that in the script: Don't change who you are once you go from Steve Rogers to this super-soldier, you have to stay who you are inside, that's really what's important more than your strength and everything. It'll be interesting and fun to put a different spin on the character and one that the fans are really going to appreciate."

Look for more information regarding both films in our coverage of this year's San Diego Comic Con.

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.

Captain America star Haley Atwell confirmed to LeicesterSquareTV today that Tommy Lee Jones, star of the Men In Black films, will in fact have a role in the upcoming Captain America film.

It is currently rumored that Jones will play General Chester Phillips, the general who volunteers Steve Rogers for the procedure that will make him Captain America.

Captain America is due for release July 22, 2011.

First introduced in this summer's Iron Man 2, Howard Stark is an essential figure to the Marvel multiverse spanning the Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America films.

This week Superherohype.com announced that Dominic Cooper will be playing a younger version of Tony Stark's father in the upcoming Captain America film, which takes place in WWII thirty years before his appearance in Iron Man 2. Despite this announcement, we have yet to hear a confirmation from Paramount or Marvel.

The First Avenger: Captain America is due for release July 22, 2010.

Marvel Studios announced today that Hugo Weaving will be starring in the Captain America film adaptation due for release as the villainous Red Skull. The Red Skull is a psychotic Nazi leader, that yes has a red skull for a head. Weaving is perhaps most well known for his role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Captain America is due for release July 22, 2011.

http://media.comics.ign.com/articles/108/1084430/img_7692150.html










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.

Well with Marvel's latest blockbuster less then a month away from release. We are getting news about future projects. Today Marvel released a press release for The First Avenger: Captain America, which among other things confirmed that Hayley Atwell will play Peggy Carter.



Here is the full press release courtesy of Marvel Studios:

Marvel Studios announced today that Hayley Atwell has been cast to star as Peggy Carter in the studio's highly anticipated movie CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER opposite Chris Evans. In the early comics, Peggy Carter fell in love with Captain America while they fought together in the war effort. The character will be updated for the feature adaptation. Joe Johnston will direct the film penned by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.

Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige will produce CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. Alan Fine, Stan Lee, David Maisel and Louis D'Esposito will executive produce. The film will be released in the US on July 22, 2011 and distributed by Paramount Pictures.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER will focus on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.

Atwell will next be seen in PILLARS OF THE EARTH, the 8-part miniseries premiering July 23 on Starz and the TV series THE PRISONER. Her film credits include THE DUCHESS, BRIDESHEAD REVISITED and CASSANDRA'S DREAM.

In addition to CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER, Marvel Studios will release a slate of films based on the Marvel characters including the highly anticipated sequel, IRON MAN 2, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow on May 7, 2010, THOR on May 6, 2011, and Marvel Studios’ THE AVENGERS on May 4, 2012.

Atwell is represented by CAA and United Agents.





In other news, an Italian site Bad Taste has posted a rather interesting rumor that both Captain America and Thor will appear after the ending credits in Iron Man 2. Sounds exciting to me!

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.

Okay. I was offline for a week and in said week we got a ton of news on various things ranging from comics to movies. Here's a quick round up of cool stuff that happened while I was dormant.


1. Juarssic Park Comics by IDW



--------------------------------------------------------------------
Believe or not Jurassic Park was once, in addition to being a novel and movie series, was once a comic series published by IDW.Come this June the series will be revived by the company beginning with the Jurassic Park: Redemption arc.The story follows John Hammond's grandchildren ten years after the original film/novel. The series features art by Frank Millar and Nat Van Dyke, and is coedited by Bob Schreck.
source:ign.com

2. Captain America is Chris Evans


------------------------------------------------------------------
It has been a long multimonth journey, but we finally have an actor set to play Captain America in the upcoming film The First Avenger: Captain America. Chris Evans, known for his role as The Human Torch in the Fantastic Four films, is set to play the famous patriot in next summer's film. However, his contract current holds him to reprise the role into nine films, including 2012's Avengers movie.
Source: ign.com

3. Two New Independence Day Films!?!

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, whether you loved Roland Emmerich's Independence Day or hated it, it looks like we may get two sequels. Thats right, a film thats almost ten years old, now may get two sequels. IESB.net has reported that Will Smith, in addition to Men In Black 3, has signed on for two sequels to the 90's alien film that will be shot back to back. The sequels are expected to begin shooting in 2011.
Source: Comingsoon.net

4. Hobbit Films to Begin Filming Later This Year


---------------------------------------------------------
Andy Serkis, the actor who played Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, has confirmed at the Japanese Empire Awards that the two Hobbit films will begin shooting in late 2010. This means that the release date may in fact be pushed back from its originally slated 2011 to 2012. However, he does offer some words of encouragement stating that they have the look for the film down, and that Middle Earth will still look like Middle Earth.
Source: comingsoon.net

It is a well known fact that after Marvel's mega-battle Siege, Dark Reign will end and a new age in the Marvel universe will take place. This new "Heroic Age" is supposed to signal an end to the chaos and death that has gripped the universe for the past decade. Although this new age will still have its fair share of dark tales, heroes will once again be on the same side, and fighting for a singular cause.


Yet, with any new age comic fans have one thing to look forward to, roster changes! So far we have new line ups for three Avenger teams (I know three!), and the new Thunderbolts squad.


Secret Avengers:
Although we have little idea of who these heroes may be, only their silhouettes have been revealed. Noone is even sure what this team is supposed to signify. Mark this one gents, sure to be interesting.


Judging by the shadows, and what we've learned from fellow nerds, we appear to have Beast, Moon Knight, Valkyrie, Wonder Man, War Machine, and Stever Rogers. Sounds awesome to me!

Avengers

The core team of the Marvel universe has undergone another huge roster change. A mix of familiar and the old, this is sure to be a fun book. I'm sure many Marvel fans are geeking out over seeing Iron Man, Thor, and Captain America all working together again.

The New Avengers
Now here's the curveball. Many are confused about why this team continues to exist. The New Avengers were originally created at the end of the Avengers Disassembled arc in 2004. However, with a core Avengers team back in action, is there really a need for another Avengers team? Either way, heres the line up.

It is a commonly known rumor that Marvel has been planning an Avengers film. Our first inkling of the crossover of all crossover films was seen in 2008's The Incredible Hulk, when Robert Downey Jr's Tony STark made an appearance. The purported line up Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, Hawkeye, and the Hulk caused numerous nerdgasms, and speculation. How in the world would a studio afford a film of that budget? The Iron Man and Hulk films each cost over a hundred million dollars to produce. Well, it appears that Marvel is not letting that distract them. Yesterday, Joe Qusaeda, head of Marvel, stated that he had read the first draft of the script on his Twitter account. Also, the Oscar nominated actor, Jeremy Renner, has mentioned that he is intalks for the role of Hawkeye. More on this as it develops!

Everyone loves super heroes. Well everyone, but Gormy. With the summer season drawing closer, and the big releases for this year and next moving into new stages of production we are getting tons of news ranging from the Man of Steel, Thor, to Captain America.

First off, we have The Man of Steel, this new Superman film penned by Dark Knight writer David Goyer will have a new dark tone and try to do what The Dark Knight did for Batman. Io9.com reports: "Goyer's story involves Luthor and Brainiac. It is NOT an origin and assumes audiences already know about Lois, Clark, Jimmy and Perry. I know the Daily Planet is struggling due to the internet. And I know it sets up a huge Kryptonian mythology."



Marvel's own godly hero, Thor, also began principal photography this week and is penned for a may release next year. Also, some strange artwork has appeared on the internet that seems to be concept art for the Thor costume.

Finally, casting has begun for the Captain America film, keep your fingers crossed folks.

Development hell is a word that is often associated with the dinosaur packed sequel. Originally announced in 2002, Jurassic Park IV has jumped through directors, rescripts, recasts, and states of existence. In fact, after the death of Michael Chrichton, the author of the Jurassic Park novel, many assumed the series was dead for sure. However, Joe Johnston (The Wolfman) has reportedly said that the project is in the works, and that it will be the first of a new trilogy. He had the following to say: "Well, there is going to be a Jurassic Park IV. And it's going to be unlike anything you've seen. It breaks away from the first three—it's essentially the beginning of the second Jurassic Park trilogy. It's going to be done in a completely different way. That's pretty much all I can tell you."




Also when asked about his involvment on the Captain America movie, The First Avenger: Captain America, he said: "It's not going to be a Captain America that you expect. It's something different. It is influenced by the comic book, but it goes off in a completely different direction. It's the origin story of Captain America. It's mostly period—there are modern, present-day bookends on it—but it's basically the story of how Steve Rogers becomes Captain America. The great thing about Captain America is he's a super hero without any super powers. Which is why this story, among the hundreds of super hero stories, appealed to me the most. He can't fly, he can't see through walls, he can't do any of that stuff. He's an every man who's been given this amazing gift of transformation into the perfect specimen—the pinnacle of human perfection. How does that affect him? What does that mean for him emotionally and psychologically? He was this 98-pound weakling, he was this wimp, and he's transformed instantly into this Adonis. You'd think he got everything he wanted. Well, he didn't get everything he wanted. The rules change at that point and his life gets even more complicated and dire. For me, that's the interesting part of the story. It's got some great action sequences in it and some incredible stuff that we've never seen before. But at the heart of it, it's a story about this kid who all he wants to do is fit in. This thing happens and he still doesn't fit in. And he has to prove himself a hero—essentially go AWOL to save a friend..."