2.5 Razors

Batman Incorporated #4

/ / Comics

batman-inc-4-coverThere are two different types of comic writers. The first attempts nothing more than to tell good stories month after month by understanding the characters, the world they inhabit, and working within that framework. The second attempts to deconstruct the existing reality of a hero in an attempt to create a definitive version. Grant Morrison is the later. And that’s why he so often pisses me off.

This comic has at least three separate stories going on (actually more, counting the multiple flashbacks of Kathy Kane) and is presented in the twisted half-assed teasing manner Grant Morisson thinks makes great storytelling, but, at least for me comes off as a fanboy who has seen Momento way, way too many times.

The story involves Batwoman, flashbacks to the early (and late) days of the original Batwoman, Batman caught in a death trap, and a villain who is somehow connected to it all. Oblique storytelling isn’t terrific in and of itself. If it were Grant Morrison might be the best author of all time.

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Red Sonja: Revenge of the Gods #1

/ / Comics

Some characters are hit-and-miss. Red Sonja is one of the characters who has more than her fair share of misses, but every once and awhile will surprise you with a strong story. I’m not sure that this is that story, but it better than some comics featuring the fantasy heroine that I’ve read.

Revenge of the Gods picks up where Red Sonja’s last mini-series Wrath of the Gods ended. Loki has been defeated by the She-Devil with a Sword and is now banished to the harsh reality of Earth, but that doesn’t mean the god is going to take his fate lying down. With the help of a band of marauders and cut-throats he begins to plan his revenge and return to power by setting his sights on the kingdom of Vannaheim not realizing the city holds a dark secret that if unleashed could destroy everyone in the land.

It’s not a great read, and I’m not thrilled with the art of Daniel Sampere, but fans of the character should enjoy themselves. And, despite being tied to an earlier adventure, there’s little here a casual reader should need to follow the tale. Hit-and-Miss.

[Dynamite, $3.99]

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Red State

/ / Movie Reviews
  • Title: Red State
  • IMDB: link

red-state-posterI’ve been saying for years I wanted to see Kevin Smith try something different. With Red State, the writer/director attempts to create a horror film based loosely on the Westboro Baptist Church. It’s a departure of sorts (Smith still finds a way to slide in his usual assortment of dick jokes), and even if its not entirely successful, Red State does have its moments.

The film centers around the fictional Five Points Church led by the charismatic Reverend Abin Cooper (based on Fred Phelps and played by Michael Parks). No longer content to just protest at funerals of homosexuals, Cooper and his brethren have begun entrapping and executing those who they see as a blight on their community.

In true teen sex comedy fasion Red State begins with the lustful dreams of three teens (Michael Angarano, Kyle Gallner, Nicholas Braun), but, after more than a few twists and turns, ends with a shoot-out between the ATF and the Five Points Church.

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5 Ronin – Wolverine

/ / Comics

5-ronin-wolverine-coverConceived by Marvel Comics as an attempt to re-imagine five X-Men characters as ronin in fuedal Japan this first issue has an interesting set-up, but it’s a little light on delivery.

Issue #1 gives us the tale of the ronin who can’t die (who also looks suspiciously like Wolverine underneath those samuari robes) seeking first understanding to a bizare series of events (much like the reader) surrounding the death of a lookalike and then revenge for the murder of his lord. The following issues will each re-imagine another X-Men character (Pyslocke, Punisher, Hulk and Deadpool), each after some form of vengeance for a past wrong.

More of a curiosity than anything else, this first issue is really nothing more than a mediocre What If…? story. It’s not bad, the tale simply doesn’t engage the reader and there’s nothing here to make someone like me come back for four straight weeks to see if the other X-Men characters fare any better. Hit-and-Miss.

[Marvel, $2.99]

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Get Low

/ / Home Video
  • Title: Get Low
  • IMDB: link

get-low-dvdRobert Duvall stars as a grumpy old hermit nearing the end of a lonely life who decides to hire a local funeral director (Bill Murray) and his assistant (Lucas Black) to plan a living funeral – something never seen before in Tennessee during the 1930’s.

Duvall is given a meaty role, and Murray has some fun moments, but eventually the film simply runs out of gas. The hermit’s deep dark secret, once exposed, is… kind of lame, and far less interesting than I hoped. And the promise of others gathering at his funeral to tell tales of this mean old hermit’s violent outbursts (which have become legend in the small town) is never fulfilled, at least on-camera.

Get Low gives you exactly what you’d expect (complete with a big bright bow wrapped around the ending) and nothing more. It’s ike so many uninspired films that play it safe and don’t cash-in on the chances offered them.

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