Superman ... and Metamorpho!

So, the teaser trailer for SUPERMAN (2025) came out today. For the most part, I'm trying to remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming film. But two scenes in the trailer do ratchet up my potential excitement for the film, and both of them tease the first live-action appearance of ... Metamorpho the Element Man!

Writer Bob Haney and artist Ramona Fradon co-created Metamorpho in 1965. He has been a solo hero as well as a member of several teams, including the Justice League. 

Image description: Two screen grabs from the SUPERMAN teaser trailer and a comic book scan. Top left is a screen grab showing the Stagg Industries logo above Superman (Metamorpho worked for Simon Stagg in the comics). Bottom left is a screen grab showing a closeup of Metamorpho. Image to the right is a scan of The Brave & The Bold Vol. 1 #58, the second appearance of Metamorpho. 

Happy 35th Anniversary to Tim Burton's BATMAN!

Happy 35th anniversary to Tim Burton's BATMAN, which hit theaters on June 23, 1989. 🦇🃏🎥

Starring Jack Nicholson as The Joker and Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne, this 1989 movie went on to earn $411.6 million at the box office and a solid place in cinematic and comic book history.  I had a small hand in those box office proceeds; I saw BATMAN in the theater multiple times that summer (no small feat as the theater was a 45 minute drive out of town)!

Oh, and remember the protests when Keaton's casting was announced? Now, Keaton is as solid and cherished a part of the Batman mythos as the late Kevin Conroy (BTAS, etc.). 

Reports on Keaton casting: batman-on-film.com

BATMAN teaser trailer: YouTube 

Film vs novel: batman-news.com

The Marvels - Disney +

 

Three incredible actresses portraying three incredible characters. I absolutely loved all the scenes between the three leads. I hope they had as much fun together as it looked like in the film.

I loved how the movie fit into the timeline and it was good to see enough exposition to know what was going on for each character. 

I definitely loved the fangirling Ms. Marvel did over Captain Marvel. It was so real and true to her character and also felt like she was us in the movie. What a joy Iman Vellani is in the movie and from her own series. 

I was also thrilled to see Goose again  I loved how integral the cat was to this story 😉 Quite the clever storyline and use of the adorable cat.

There was really only one major part of the movie I didn’t like and it definitely didn’t seem to fit but overall I enjoyed the story. I’d love to see more of The Marvels working together in future movies. The three women were just amazing together. 

3 paws

Old Guard - Netflix

 

I had no idea what this movie was about, of course it’s been about 3 years since this was released. I didn’t even remember it was based on a comic book until Brainwise started saying how different scenes looked like the book. 

The number one thing I will say about this movie is that it is ULTRA violent. I mean ULTRA violent. There was quite a lot that I didn’t watch because it was just too much. 

Charlize Theron looked incredible and was superb in this role. The story was very interesting and we found out that a second movie may be coming. I look forward to the story but maybe not the violence. 

Again it was good to see a female main character and a bad a$$ one at that. Kiki Layne was awesome and also very bad a$$ too. I also adored the scene between two of the male characters expressing their love for each other while in quite a bind with the bad guys. 

Such a very different story and incredibly interesting.

3 paws

Christmas Movies 2023 Part 2

The Hogfather

When Death and his granddaughter are the most normal part of the show, you know your in for something waaay off the beaten path.

Brainwise was very excited to watch this three episode miniseries on Amazon Prime. I had zero idea what to expect and even now that it’s finished I’m not sure I still know what I watched. But it was good. Not sure how I know this but I believe it to be true. The less you know, the better it will be for your viewing :)

3 paws

Candy Cane Lane

What an incredibly fun romp of a movie. Eddie Murphy and Traci Ellen Ross were perfection together. This was a great family show and I laughed so much. Very clever and different. Definitely would watch this again. 

3 paws 

Best Christmas Ever

While there is definitely some questionable humor in this movie, I ended up crying in the end. It was a lovely story about friendship and belief in magic. Brandy was lovely in her role and I’m glad they included her singing. I liked the story and it came with some twists and turns too. 

2 paws

Christmas Movies 2023 Part 1

Dashing Through The Snow - Disney +

Ludacris in a Christmas movie?? Yes, please. He is a joy in this role. I absolutely loved everything about what he brought to this role. He was a great Dad, wonderful social worker, and hilarious all around.

Madison Skye Validum, as the daughter Charlotte, was splendid and radiant. She just oozed happy and I would love to spend a day with her just to feel her joyous personality. She is an excellent actress too and brought everything needed to make her role believable and enjoyable.

Lil Red Howery was the incredible Nick, whose wardrobe was incredible. He was perfection in this role and think he got completely lost in the role as I had a hard time deciphering/rectifying who he was under the gorgeous robe.

I highly recommend this joyful movie that helps us all believe just little more in the goodness of this world and the magic we can find if we just look.

3 paws

Family Switch - Netflix

Jennifer Gardner and Ed Helms were hilarious and perfect in this movie. Emma Myers and Brady Noon were wonderful as their children in this movie. Except for one too over the top scene (and many might say there is more than just one), I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

Light and heavy all at once. A clever switcheroo that seriously looked so much fun to film. I can't imagine how much laughing there must have been on the set.

And even though you can figure the story out, it doesn't detract from the fun and the laughter that will be found during the movie. There is also an excellent rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town!!

3 paws

Merry Little Batman - Amazon Prime

Cute, funny, clever, fun and perfect for any DC or Batman fan.

I especially loved the change in animation for part of the story. It was perfect for conveying what was happening and definitely made me watch even more intently. 

There are a few scenes that could have been shorter but overall it was a fun and very different Christmas show. 

2 paws

3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost

Hallmark Channel blew me away with this one. 

Madeleine Arthur as Ruby is glorious. Simply glorious! I didn't even realize how many things I have seen her in until I looked her up on IMDB. She looked completely different here.

Makeup and costuming deserve awards for styling Ruby. She is stunning at every turn, from her clothing to her jewelry to her makeup to just her incredible self.   

This is such a clever and beautiful story and it’s carried out wonderfully by Julie Gonzalo, Chris McNally and Madeleine Arthur. 

The connection between the two women is amazing and I love how they support each other. I love how they grow and learn and become the best versions of themselves even with over 100 years between them. It's both good and bad to know that some things carry through the times and are the same for people regardless of the surroundings :)

Speaking of surroundings, I loved the set for this movie too. Beautiful home with beautiful furnishings. I would love to know what came first when creating this movie: the story, the setting, the costuming, regardless all of it is perfect and wonderful.

You all know I don't post too many Hallmark movies (I do watch them all), but this one really was just wonderful and different and I had to share my thoughts.

4 paws, 2 ears, 1 tail for all 9 lives ;)

Let’s put it this way, I didn’t delete this from my DVR when it ended because I’m going back to watch this one again. 

No Time To Die

 The final movie with Daniel Craig as James Bond.

A perfect send off. I loved this movie. I thought it was a perfect ending for Daniel Craig and even this generation’s James Bond. 

Great story, incredible action, excellent characters. I don't recall what the reception was for this movie but I greatly enjoyed it. I thought it felt like a James Bond movie and while it allowed for an ending that wasn't expected, I quite liked it and felt it was fitting.

There were a few throwbacks to other James Bond movies and I am sure I missed quite a few things also but I felt it paid its dues. I would definitely watch this one again.

4 paws

Bullet Train

 

WOW WOW WOW

I was really unsure about this movie, even after hearing all the great things from so many friends. I was afraid I wasn't going to like the "farce" of it but it turned out to be the best thing!

Every character was perfection and I laughed, cheered, cried and yelled at every single one of them.

What an incredible ride. I can't recommend this movie more. I will warn you that it is quite violent and visually gory but it did not hinder my love for this movie.

4 paws

John Wick 3: Parabellum

 

I have been wanting to see this one for awhile now. I was hoping it would be free at some point and luckily when I was channel surfing I noticed something called Tubi and it had John Wick 3 for free. There were a few commercials but they were well planned, short, and the movie always came back on back a few seconds so you never missed anything. I would definitely watch a free movie on Tubi again.

Back to John Wick, if I haven't mentioned it before I LOVE John Wick. I love the no talk, just shoot or stab or blow up or punch. I get so tired of shows where they swear they are going to kill someone only to NEVER DO IT. They talk their way out, they hide or run, or something else happens and no killing happens. 

The first time I saw John Wick I cheered. Now don't think I am all for actual killing and violence because I am not. I am aware that this is a movie and not real life. It was just nice to see someone stick to their word and not the tropes in most violent movies.

This one seemed a bit more violent/gory, as I seemed to avert my eyes more than normal. And the story was a little "lacking" or something. It did feel a little more like moving from violent stunt to violent stunt but then again that is kind of the point of John Wick. 

I can't wait to check out John Wick 4 when it becomes available.

3 paws

DC League of Super-Pets

 

You can find this on HBO Max....errrr Max... hmmmm sounds like a dog's name... that's appropriate :)

Anyway, we dove into this animated movie recently. I was excited for it and while it was good, I wasn't as blown away as I hoped to be. I did love that Krypto was voiced by Dwayne Johnson "The Rock" and Ace was voiced by Kevin Hart. This match up was perfect for their characters and they both were perfect in the roles.

I loved the created family aspect of this movie of course and the fact that it was animals becoming the family made me even happier. Overall though it was lacking something or maybe it had too much of nothing. 

I am interested to know if kids liked this one. I wonder if they got some of the actual comic book references or if it was all over their heads. I am not sure if this movie is for kids or adults or just comic book readers or maybe that's the problem, they didn't know who to make the movie for in the end. Well that makes it sound terrible and it wasn't that but simply put I doubt I would watch it again.

2 paws

Free Guy

 

Third of three movies of our Memorial Day Weekend.

And the BEST of the bunch! I mean this movie was hilarious, clever and amazing!!!

Ryan Reynolds is always a favorite and this movie was perfect for him or he was perfect for the movie, either way, he and the movie were perfection. 

Jodie Comer was amazing too. She had a huge role and she was incredible. I also loved the extra that you can watch about the making of her character - very interesting and insightful.

We laughed soooo much during this movie. We rewound at times because either we missed things from laughing or we just wanted to laugh all over again.

I can't believe we weren't spoiled at all on anything and I certainly won't spoil anything here but let's just say there was a great scene for Marvel lovers.

If you love video games, this is a must watch. I don't know much about the video game world but that did not hinder my viewing and loving of this movie. I can only imagine how much more can be seen and taken from this movie if you do know video games.

I can't wait to watch this again.

4 paws and a tail

 

Antman and Wasp: Quantumania

 

Second of three movies of our Memorial Day Weekend.

Much better than Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Paul Rudd is one of my favorites and he continues this love here. 

I love that his daughter is older now and a main character in the movie. She is funny and and excellent addition to the cast and story. 

Michelle Pfeiffer and Michael Douglas were excellent and I loved their story. It was great to see them in action, literally. It was good to get some background on Janet Van Dyne's time in the Quantum Realm. 

It was also great to see Katy O'Brian, who we love on many other shows, get a large and critical role in the movie as Jentorra. 

If you want a high action, fast paced movie, this is for you. And if you are a completist of Marvel movies, this is a must watch. 

3 paws

 

Shazam! Fury of the Gods

 

First of three movies of our Memorial Day Weekend.

Wow this was not as fun as I wanted it to be. I loved the first movie but I just could not get into this one. I had a difficult time with the characters all being older but they kept acting like the were the youngsters from the first movie when they went into superhero mode. It was very odd.

I also wasn't sold on the story for some reason. Although it was nice to have three incredible women as the main "villans" of the story: Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu and Rachel Zegler. They all looked like the enjoyed being supervillans and having powers.

Overall though, Steve and the unicorns were the best part of this movie.

1 paw

Dune - 2021 movie

 

So I know absolutely nothing about Dune except it is about a desert. Yup, that's all, that's it. But when Brainwise stated I wasn't interested in watching the 2021 movie, I stopped him and said I was actually interested. A friend of mine thought I would like it, so we watched it. All 2 hours and 30+ minutes of it. Here are some of my reviews:

1) The music is OUTSTANDING!!!

2) The visuals are UNBELIEVABLE!!!

3) The cast is INCREDIBLE!!!

4) The story ... wellll ... I am not really sure...

I must say I am definitely looking forward to Part 2, so hopefully I can come back to this post and talk about #4 :)

I thought Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson were perfect in their roles. There are so many recognizable faces in this movie it was almost a distraction but everyone played their parts perfectly. 

Hans Zimmer was brilliant with his music. It was a whole other character in the movie. 

I say definitely check it out and then read the trivia on IMDB after you watch it to see all the crazy tidbits there are about the movie and the cast. 

3 paws     But only because I need the rest of the story 🙂

Everything Everywhere All at Once

 

What in the heck did I just watch?

Why am I crying so hard?

It deserved every award it received. 

I love my Mom Everything Everywhere All at Once

4 paws and a tail 

Black Panther - Wakanda Forever

 Dangrdafne review

What a wonderful tribute to Chadwick Boseman. So many tears. It truly was a wonderful story that included the loss of Chadwick and made it all work. I truly hope that the ceremony in the movie helped the actors deal with the loss. I felt that it helped me and felt that it allowed the public to be a part of the funeral.

I absolutely adored all the woman power in this movie. During the scene on the bridge I even said "there are three women of color as the main heroes in this movie!" I was blown away by the action and their stories. The actresses are excellent at their jobs and I am grateful for their portrayal of these incredible superheroes.

The costuming for this movie was beyond spectacular. Angel Bassett's outfits were out of this world beautiful and added even more to her beauty. I want to cosplay every outfit she wore. The white ceremony outfits were also simply beautiful and angelic. It was pure glorious beauty on the screen. I hope the costumers win the Academy Award for this movie.

I loved the music in this movie too. I feel like I don't recall lyrics in past Marvel movies, but I could just be misremembering, but each song really fit into the scenes and I definitely will seek out the soundtrack for this movie. I was a little thrown by the new Panther music but it does work very well. I do miss the tribal sound that was in the first movie but I understand why it wouldn't be in this one without Chadwick.

Namor was well done and the special effects for him were seamless and I was very impressed with how realistic he was. I did mention during the one underwater scene that even though I liked Aquaman, that this was the Aquaman movie that one was trying to be ;) Again I have no history with any of these characters, so I had no issues as some do and I liked the story and the portrayals.

I am grateful that some how I was not spoiled on anything in this movie and I will not spoil anything here now. I did figure out one thing while the movie progressed but I am ok with that. It is best if you can just watch and let everything unfold. I think it was an excellent story, told very well.

I do definitely wish we saw this movie in the theater, as I think it would have been all encompassing and hit even harder for the action but I am also so glad I was at home to cry throughout this movie.

Another excellent addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

4 paws

Black Adam

 Dangrdafne review

Didn’t hate it. Didn’t love it. 

The Rock was certainly perfect for the role. I loved the kid, Bodhi Sabongui, he was the most realistic member of the movie with Sarah Shahi coming in next. They were a good team.

Pierce Brosnan was excellent and I was grateful for his part as he was a very grounding piece of the film. Aldis Hodge was great as Hawkman but I wasn’t crazy about how he was written. I was excited for Noah Centineo and Quintessa Swindell to be in this but they were not utilized nearly enough.

The film was beautiful to watch and I really liked some of the scenes but for the visuals and not for the story. I would say though, that if they added in all that should have been in the movie to make it better, it would have made it 5 hours long and 2 hours was long enough (maybe even too long).

If you like action or you love The Rock, then I say definitely watch this movie. If you want story, then I would advise you to watch something else. I doubt I will watch this again, except perhaps the last bit of the movie since I was falling asleep waiting for the new year.

2 paws 

Spirited

 Dangrdafne review: 

When I first saw a teaser for this, I thought it looked interesting. But I admit, I was not sure I was going to like the humor. Then I saw some friends who raved about it and again their humor is not the same as mine for liking things. So I was pretty sure I wouldn't watch it but here it was Christmas Day and I thought we should check it out.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!! I am soooooo glad I didn't listen to myself. This movie was incredible! 

It is another take on A Christmas Carol but "modern" and filled with incredible music and dancing. Simply put, this will be added to our annual list of movies to watch. My feet are still tapping 24 hours later. This movie really sticks with you but in the best ways.

While there were still some cringing moments of humor, it just wasn't enough to warrant me to not like the movie and to not highly recommend it. 

The cast was absolutely incredible: Octavia Spencer was splendid, Ryan Reynolds was perfect and Will Ferrell was fantastic. All supporting cast were wonderful and the singers and dancers were spectacular. There were so many references to other movies and the songs and script was so clever and well written. 

I actually want to watch it again already just to see all that I might have missed the first time and to listen to all the music again ;)

4 paws

Lightyear

 Dangrdafne review

I was really looking forward to watching Lightyear. I love the Toy Story movies (although truth be told we still have not see #4). I always thought my toys were alive and would do things when I wasn't looking. So the movies always fed my childhood dreams.

I like this clever take on an origin story for Buzz Lightyear. Seems very meta or something. I definitely enjoyed reading all the trivia on IMDB after the movie. Pixar loves their hidden "Mickeys". 

If you enjoy Toy Story or Pixar I recommend this movie. My absolute favorite part of the movie was Sox, the cat. Like Goose in Captain Marvel, he is a critical part of the movie. I also just think he is soooo adorable and hilarious.

I wish I hadn't read some of the reviews of this movie though. I don't understand why people just can't watch a simple animated movie and enjoy it. Not every movie will be award worthy or perfect. Anyway, I enjoyed the movie overall and I am glad we watched. Moreso than our last one, Thor: Love and Thunder. 

The movie is funny, heartwarming, clever and fun.

3 paws