Alan Rapp

Shadowland #3

/ / Comics
  • Title: Shadowland #3 (of 5)
  • Comic Vine: link

shadowland-3-coverFinally, somebody notices that the creature masquerading as Daredevil isn’t Matt Murdock. We finally learn the truth about what’s going on under Daredevil’s mask and, sigh, let’s just say it could have been handled better.

As I had feared, it turns out the entire struggle of Matt Murdock’s control of the Hand is moot since he’s no longer in control of his actions. Oh, and Bullseye’s on his way back far faster than most readers not a carrot chompin’ super-hero reviewer thought.

Sure, this Hand demon gives our heroes a big bad villain to fight, but it also undercuts the only real dramatic thread the mini-series had going for it. Nice to see Elektra finally show up, though. Hit-and-Miss.

[Marvel $3.99]

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The American (and some very beautiful women)

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: The American
  • IMDb: link

Is there anything we won’t forgive George Clooney on-screen? Con man, thief, lawyer, killer – it seems his charm can overcome just about any handicap the script attempts to throw at his character. And that’s why he’s the perfect choice for a role just like this, especially when you surround him with such beautiful women.

In his latest foray into cinema Clooney stars as an assassin chased from the warmth of a beautiful woman (Irina Björklund) and warm fireplace in Sweden. Retreating to the Italian countryside he attempts to lay low while accepting a job creating a custom made rifle for one beautiful woman (Thekla Reuten) as he throws his passions into the arms of another beautiful woman, a local prostitute named Clara (Violante Placido). (Did I mention this film includes beautiful women?)

The American is an art film turned thriller. Some might be put-off by it’s slow pace, including long stretches between action scenes, and unwillingness to force the action (at least early on), but they’d be missing the point.

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The American (and some very beautiful women) Read More »

Takers lacks Heat

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Takers
  • IMDB: link

I love heist flicks and I’m usually willing to cut them an awful lot of slack. On my DVD shelf alongside of Heist, To Catch a Thief, and Sneakers, I own copies of The Newton Boys, How to Beat the High Co$t of Living and After the Sunset. When a new heist flick comes along I’m willing to give it several chances to prove itself. After seeing Takers I might have to reevaluate that position.

It took four writers to put Takers together, and it shows. The film is a mediocre mess of both shots and storylines best left of the cutting room floor. I’m sure the attempt here was to merge the coolness of the Ocean’s Eleven franchise (without Clooney, Pitt, and Cheadle) with the feel of Michael Mann’s Heat (without DeNiro, Pacino, and Kilmer). Not surprising, it’s a disaster in every sense of the word.

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Takers lacks HeatRead More »

Takers lacks Heat Read More »

Batman #702

/ / Comics

batman-702-coverThe days leading up to Batman’s “death” are finally explored.

See, if you wait long enough Grant Morrison will give you an explanation. Maybe not a great explanation, but at least something. You only need to needlessly wait months until the story in question is long over and it doesn’t really matter anymore.

As it stands the story is a solid one, and downright linear for a Morrison tale, but the real question behind this “Missing Chapter” of Batman R.I.P. is where the hell has it been for all these months?

There are also a couple of really good lines describing Superman, his abilities, and his larger world, from Batman’s point of view. Better late than never, and worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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Batman Beyond #3

/ / Comics
  • Title: Batman Beyond #3 (of 6)
  • Comic Vine: link
  • Writer: Adam Beechen
  • Artist: Ryan Benjamin

batman-beyond-3-coverThe Hush storyline continues. Barbara Gordon and Tim Drake (well, a amalgam of Drake and Jason Todd) made their way into the Batman Beyond universe along with references to other classic characters and many new versions of heroes.

This issue give us the death of Calendar Man (and not even in his classic costume! sigh) and a growing schism between Bruce Wayne and Terry McGinnis.

Although I’m still not sure about this new Catwoman, this issue does give me the one thing I always wanted from Batman Beyond – Dick Grayson. And that’s enough for me…as long as they don’t screw it up. Worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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