DEADPOOL (2016)

Featuring: Ryan Reynolds; Morena Baccarin; Ed Skrein

Director: Tim Miller

The Deadpool character is like the brother in prison: an embarrassment and nobody talks about it. Except for a brief appearance in Wolverine (2009) he has been conspicuously absent from the Marvel movie universe... till now. And for good reason. As quintessential anti-hero, he is more of a villain than a hero.

This film then tells the story of how Deadpool, as portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, came about - in all its gruesome detail. And that is about all you can say about that. Why? Watch the movie and judge for yourself.

Yes, its got all the bells and whistles we've come to expect of modern superhero movies but that is also about all it has going for it. Personally I found everything else about it a bit off-putting. Therefor, do not expect a follow-up review of the sequel that is currently on circuit on this blog.

I'm struggling to give it a rating of more than 2 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONHBaC-pfsk

Yes, Ryan Reynolds, my sentiments exactly!

THE PINK PANTHER (1963)

Featuring: Peter Sellers; David Niven; Claudia Cardinale

Director: Blake Edwards

In 1963 the world got introduced to the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, uniquely portrayed by the late Peter Sellers. Adult comedies at the time were mostly over-the-top slapstick combined with vulgarity affairs. The Carry On series comes to mind. However, The Pink Panther breathed some welcome life into what was a very tired genre.

The "Pink Panther" is a priceless diamond owned by The Princess (Claudia Cardinale) who is staying at a Paris hotel. Fearing that notorious jewel thief, The Phantom (David Niven), might try and steal it whilst in their custody, management hires Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) in an effort to prevent this from happening. Obviously chaos ensues.

Even by today's standards this movie is funny. Sometimes the story gets a bit caught up in the situation which makes it seem a bit drawn out. Take for instance the hilarious chase scene through the town square. But that is exactly where its charm lies. And Peter Sellers is an absolute master when it comes to underplaying comedic moments. Then of course there is also that hauntingly famous Henry Mancini score throughout the film. This is one of those films that simply belong in any serious DVD collection.

I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwA_ar7_qUw

 Inspector Clouseau, everybody...

BLACK PANTHER (2018)

Featuring: Chadwick Boseman; Michael B Jordan; Forest Whitaker

Director: Ryan Coogler

The Black Panther character made its big screen debut in Captain America: Civil War (2016). There we meet prince T'Challa for the first time when his father, the king of mystical land Wakanda, is killed in a bomb blast at the United Nations. This movie picks up the story from there.

Back in his own country, the prince (Chadwick Boseman) must face the challenge of the other tribe leaders in order for him to ascend to the slain king's throne. However, once he finally succeeds and is crowned as the new king, he has to face a new challenge from a most unexpected and dangerous source. This time it is a foreigner, aptly named Erik Killmonger, who claims to be from noble Wakandan blood himself.

Overall, this is a good film in all aspects and well worth all the accolades heaped on it by critics and audiences alike. Only one thing bugs me. And that is the obsession of comic book stories of late with resurrection. First there was Superman in Justice League (2017) and now that of the Black Panther in this movie. Gee wiz, can't they come up with something a little more original?

Be that as it may, I still rate this one at 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjDjIWPwcPU

It must not have been easy to act in this suit...