Condorman

/ / Home Video
  • Title: Condorman
  • IMDb: link

There are movies which live in my childhood. Viewing them years later, no matter the length of time which may have passed, I’m instantly transported back in time to that darkened theater, fond memories, and childhood wonderment.

Condorman, based on the James Bond spoof by Robert Sheckley, is one of those films. From the Pink Panther-style opening featuring the rousing score of Henry Mancini to the final unheard whispered line at a crowded Dodger game (and everything in-between), I’m hooked. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the film Woody Wilkins (Michael Crawford) is a comic book writer living in Paris while working on his latest creation: Condorman, “Vulture of the western world.” When his best friend, a pencil-pusher for the CIA (James Hampton), needs a civilian to deliver some not-so important secret papers in Istanbul Woody happily volunteers, passing himself off as a top secret spy codenamed Condorman.

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Shadowland #1

/ / Comics
  • Title: Shadowland #1 (of 5)
  • Comic Vine: link

The descent of Matt Murdock contiues in this new mini-series from Andy Diggle. Daredevil has built a monument, a fortress, in the middle of Hell’s Kitchen from which the Hand my strike swift vengeance on those would dare cause trouble within its borders. And he’s got himself a spiffy new costume. Pretty good stuff all around including a necessary scene among the Avengers discussing concern over Murdock’s new role.

As to the final scenes between Bullseye and Daredevil all I can say is I’ll believe the outcome is real when I see it. Diggle has played the sleight-of-hand once too often in recent months for me to take Daredevil’s apparent use of lethal force seriously (especially when of of the tie-ins coming out next month is titled Shadowland: Bullseye).

Odds are we’ll be seeing Bullesye again. Even if it’s another bait-and-switch the storyline of pushing Murdock down the dark path seems to be in full swing. And if it’s real…well, that’s a hell of a hard first step down a path of no redemption for the hero of Hell Kitchen to take in the first issue of this five month long event. Either way it should be an interesting few months for Daredevil readers.

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Despicable Me

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Despicable Me
  • IMDB: link

Pixar seems to have cornered the market on family films that provide equal measure of comedy and action with the kind of dramatic moments assured to pull at your heartstrings. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a niche left to be filled. Sometimes you just want to sit down to an animated film and have fun (without that punch to the soul or shedding a tear). For those looking for good kid films filled with plenty of laughs and paced within an inch of their life you could do far worse than Despicable Me

Gru (Steve Carell) is a super-villain who never quite hit it big. Sure he’s caused trouble with his freeze ray at the local Sarbucks or terrorized traffic with his giant tank-like automobile. And with the help of his legion of minions he’s stolen small artifacts from around the world. But Gru has never made the big score, and his chances are running out as new, younger super villains like Vector (Jason Segel) are looking to take his place. His latest scheme involving a shrink ray and an attempt to steal the moon may be his last chance to grab the fame which has forever eluded him.

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The Lone Ranger Definitive Edition (Volume One)

/ / Comics
  • Title: The Lone Ranger Definitive Edition (Volume One)

It’s all here: the lone survivor of a massacre, a white horse, the faithful Native American companion, a silver mine to forge bullets, and a mask. Writer Brett Matthews‘ take on the western icon The Lone Ranger may not be for everyone, but it suits me just fine.

At the heart of the tale is John Reid, a man deeply conflicted with the death of his brother Dan, weighing his need for justice and revenge, and still searching for his place in the world. Our hero is still the man we know, he just doesn’t know it quite yet. The comic is harsher (mirroring the landscape and time period) than most depictions, and the stories often involve tough choices and a fair bit of violence with each issue.

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Batman Beyond #1

/ / Comics

batman-beyond-1-coverWhile I’m not as big a fan of Batman Beyond as I am of Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League, there are many aspects to the show that I enjoyed. The new mini-series from writer Adam Beechen and artist Ryan Benjamin keeps the history of the show while crafting a new series that should work for those who never saw the cartoon.

Terry McGuiness and Bruce Wayne’s relationship remains intact (though the series takes place before McGuiness discovered the truth about his paternity). There are also short glimpses which will mean more for those longtime fans of the show including Amanda Waller, Cadimus, and the appearance of Spellbender.

The choice to the tease from the very first panel to the last of who the main villain of the series might be (which I won’t spoil it here) works very well. For fans of the show it’s definitely worth picking up, but even if you never saw an episode it’s still worth a look.

[DC $2.99]

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