Werewolf by Night – The Middling Macabre
Werewolf by Night struggles for clarity within the constraints of an homage, sequel, origin story, and TV special in one. But it’s fun to watch it try.
Comic Book Movie
Samaritan – Bum Rap
Samaritan accepts on faith that the audience thinks Stallone is a superhero. His charm, and almost nothing else, makes it sporadically watchable.
The Batman: V for Vengeance
Admirably grounded and well-cast, The Batman tries its best to add relevance to a cluttered canon amid broken thriller mechanics and aloof dialogue.
Batman: Unfinished Business
Batman reflects the charm and the cost of a script that was not properly finished. But its lead and its meticulous visual design still enchant.
Batman Returns: Action Fairytale
Tim Burton’s Batman Returns is a dark Christmas fable, an action fairytale. It’s the whole experience of reading comics in one painful, beautiful mythology.
Zack Snyder vs Superman: Why Intent Became Conflict in Man of Steel
A response to Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel as well as to the debates about it, including both its problematic execution and its honest desire for greatness.
The Batman – Trailer Reaction
Another trailer for The Batman encouraged me to write down my thoughts, both my anticipation and misgivings, about Matt Reeves’ latest take on the Dark Knight.
Superman: Mythic Origins
Superman creates a well-meaning mythology that predicts the most profitable film genre. Its many imitations are only partial, however. The original still soars.
Popeye: Robert Altman – De-Animator
Robert Altman’s adaptation of Popeye feels more like a redaction. His serious silly world is more interesting as a failure than enjoyable as a living cartoon.
Hulk: Comic Myths of the Monster in Us
Hulk is a Marvel film made from spirituality and angry power. Nothing it does wrong can stop its difference from being beautiful.