3 Razors

Hercules

  • Title: Hercules (2014)
  • IMDb: link

HerculesBased on the comic book mini-series from writer Steve Moore and artist Admira Wijaya, Hercules removes the myth and legend of the figure choosing to cast Hercules (Dwayne “It’s Okay to Call Me The Rock Again” Johnson) as a weary nomadic mercenary rather than the true son of Zeus (although he certainly trades on the legend for his own profit) well after completing his legendary 12 labors. With a band of loyal warriors around him, Hercules’ legend has grown over time as his exploits have been exaggerated to the point that everyone believes the mythic warrior to be the unstoppable son of a god.

Director Brett Ratner‘s film reminds me a little of Antoine Fuqua‘s King Arthur which similarly removed the mythical trappings and magic surrounding a legendary figure in an attempt to focus on the man behind the legend and those closest to him. Hercules may not be as successful as Arthur, but The Rock is perfectly cast in the role and Ratner surrounds him with a strong supporting cast and impressive effects for a B-movie that’s better than expected.

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Beware the Batman – Attraction

  • Title: Beware the Batman – Attraction
  • wiki: link

Beware the Batman - Attraction

Returning to Cartoon Network after being abruptly pulled back in October, the final 15 episodes of the series begin here with the first of two episodes included in the previously-released home video set. Misplaced affection and jealousy are the major themes of “Attraction” as Magpie (Grey DeLisle), misunderstanding Batman‘s (Anthony Ruivivar) guilt over her condition for romantic overtures, comes to the conclusion that the only thing stopping the Dark Knight Detective from openly returning her affection is Katana (Sumalee Montano).

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Lady Zorro #1

Lady Zorro #1Introduced in Matt Wagner’s Zorro Rides Again series, Lady Zorro is brought out of retirement by Zorro himself who needs her help to recover a sacred Indian war axe, stolen by mercenary soldiers with whom she discovers she has unfinished business.

Although I could have done with a bit less cheesecake from artist Rey Villegas, for a comic titled Lady Zorro it’s certainly nothing unexpected. For those unfamiliar with the character’s origins writer Alex de Campi works in Esmeralda’s troubled past while centering the story around characters and events both crucial to the protection of California and tied to personal vengeance (on both sides after Esmeralda dispatches the female friend of the soldier responsible for the slaughter of her family in a rather brutal manner).

If your interest wasn’t already piqued beforehand, Lady Zorro #1 won’t do much to sell you on the mini-series but Zorro fans will likely enjoy the swordplay and the chance to see Lady Zorro in action once more. For fans.

[Dynamite Entertainment, $3.99]

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Planes: Fire & Rescue

  • Title: Planes: Fire & Rescue
  • IMDB: link

Planes: Fire & RescueLast year’s Cars spin-off starring Dane Cook as a cropduster with dreams of becoming a world-class racer came and went without much fanfare. Made by Disney rather than Pixar, Planes certainly had the feel of far too many of Disney’s straight-to-video sequels (despite the movie actually getting a theatrical release). I found the first film to be more than a little clunky, and certainly the weakest of any of the movies set in the Cars universe, but it still had enough charm and beautiful animation to keep my interest. Planes‘ sequel feels much the same with some uneven writing and cheap fart jokes. However, along with its impressive look, the sequel does celebrate the service of firefighters and offer a nice lesson for its target audience.

Planes: Fire & Rescue returns Cook as cropduster turned world-famous racer Dusty Crophopper whose career is put in jeopardy thanks to nonrepairable damage to the plane’s gearbox. In an attempt to help out an old friend, and keep the local airstrip open, Dusty signs up to train as with a fire and rescue team hoping to become certified as a firefighter.

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Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet #2

Batman '66 Meets The Green Hornet #2The six-issue mini-series continues here as the two duos of crime fighters are both able to extract themselves from the death trap laid by General Gumm who all were in danger of losing their heads after being glued to the top of a speeding train. In the ensuing confrontation the Green Hornet decides to play dirty and knock out the Dynamic Duo rather than reveal the truth that he and Kato are actually heroes only pretending to be criminals.

As General Gumm isn’t strong enough to carry the series on his own, Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet #2 brings in the Joker to help even out the battle between good and evil, although how long the pair can put up with each other is yet to be seen.

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