Five Criminally Overlooked Adventure Movies

 

Following up on my recent blog about action adventure film's missing in Hollywood's slate these dates. I started thinking about the classics of that genre, as well as film's that are very good in their own right. However, for whatever reason it just did not connect with the audience, and have been lost in the realm of endless amounts of entertainment. So with that here are five overlooked action adventure film's that deserve more love.

5. The Phantom

The Phantom is a 1996 film starring Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Treat Williams. It's based on the pulp comic strip, following Billy Zane as the hero who has followed a 400 year family tradition to withhold justice as "The Phantom". He's racing against Treat Williams and crew for the macguffin, The Skulls of Touganda three skulls made of different raw material which provides it's holder with immense power.

The film has some corny dialogue and Zane may not have been the right man for the leading man role, but it's structure and concept are straight adventure films. It features shootouts, sword fights, fist fights, dangerous bridges and everything else you'd look for in a an adventure movie. While similar films like The Shadow have gained popularity over the years, it's sad The Phantom is still overlooked.

4. Zathura: A Space Adventure

The 2005 film Zathura is based on the 2002 book of the same name, which is considered a "sequel" to the Jumanji book. Starring Tim Robbins, Dax Shephard, Josh Hutcherson, and Kristen Stewart in one of her earlier most famous roles. It follows the same premise as Jumanji instead of a board game based in the jungle, this one is based on space game. With all the action taking place in the main character's home, and it has been uprooted to space. 

The main characters fight off meteor showers, aliens, and other space related road blocks, they also learn about sibling relationships in the process. The film wasn't a box office success upon it's debut and has suffered the same fate going on 20 years later of being overlooked. Which is a shame as it's a rather imaginative movie featuring a lot of practical effects, and should be given a chance. 

3. Tomb Raider-2018

This updated take on the Tomb Raider film's from the early 2000's was released in 2018. Starring Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Daniel Wu, and Walter Goggins. This film is an origin story for Lara Croft as such it stands apart from the Angelina Jolie led film's. Lara is not a formidable fighter or tomb raider just yet, and has to learn as she goes along. While learning there is more to her father Lord Richard Croft and his company than she previously was aware of.

There's some good archery skills displayed in this film. Globe trotting, and of course the usual macguffin that causes the globe trotting. Alicia Vikander hold's her own as Lara, and really comes into her own as the film progresses. It is a more realistic and gritty approach to the tomb raider world and maybe that's why people shied away from it. Which is disappointing, as they truly missed out a newer gem in the action-adventure genre. 

2. Prince of Persia

Prince of Persia: The Sands Of Time was released in 2010 and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Alfred Molina, Ben Kingsley, and Gemma Arterton. Based on the video game series of the same name, it was a deliberate attempt by Disney to follow the same model as Pirates Of The Caribbean and create a new film franchise. Unfortunately thing's did not go as planned, with one contributing factor likely being the whitewashing of the cast. Something Hollywood continues to struggle with to this day with films.

Outside of that, the movie had an entertaining plot, effects, and action sequences. Complete with sword fights and chases throughout the streets of Persia. The box office returns were ok, and critics even admitted it had a few flaws but was one of the better video game adaptations. Many can agree Gyllenhaal may not have been right for that role, and that became the main story of the film. Don't listen to the naysayers, if you've never seen it give it a shot.

1. Adventures of TinTin

Based on the French comic strip, 2011's Adventures of TinTin was intended to be the first film in a trilogy series. With each film in the trilogy directed by separate high profile directors, Steven Spielberg directed the first one, while Peter Jackson was slated for the second one. I don't remember who the third director was supposed to be. The film was all CGI and starred Jamie Bell as TinTin, Daniel Craig as Ivan Sakhraine, and Andy Serkis as Captain Haddock. Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, and Toby Jones are other well known actors who rounded out the cast.

The film starts off with a bang and only picks up from there, never truly slowing down even when advancing the plot. Since it is an animated film, the action stakes are a little higher and the characters travel around the world with more ease. Resulting in several exciting chases including an airplane chase. The movie did alright at the box office, was revered by critics and actually was nominated and won several awards. Unfortunately it did not connect with audiences, and as such did not receive the popularity that it should.

Make no mistake about it, if you like a good adventure film and have not yet seen this movie. make it an priority like today to watch it.

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"Roller Coaster" Adventure Movies Need A Comeback

 

Today is the 25th anniversary of  The Mummy starring Brendan Frasier and Rachel Weisz as the heroes, and Arnold Vosloo as the villain Imhotep. I watched the movie over the weekend in honor of its anniversary and it got me thinking. It's time there is a resurgence in Hollywood of the action adventure genre.

The type of films often described as a "roller coaster" adventure film. The Mummy and its two sequels along with Mask of Zorro and its sequel helped the genre experience a brief period of popularity in the late 90's-mid 2000's. New Line's 2002 film Lord Of The Rings: Fellowship Of The Ring and its sequels aided the adventure films.

Then Disney's Pirates Of The Carribean film released in 2003 and helped continue that trend. Along with National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage, another Disney property that was released in 2004.

Tin the late 2000's and early 2010's. That genre lost popularity to films based on YA literature like Twilight, Hunger Games, Divergent and Maze Runner. Of course we can't forget the Harry Potter film series. That wasn't the only thing that clobbered action adventure films during that time. Superhero movies and the juggernaut that was the marvel cinematic universe sucked up any genre in its path.

In 2017 a legacy to 1995's Jumanji film was released. Which that film Welcome To The Jungle and it's sequel 2019's The Next Level bought some popularity to the genre, and while both films were highly successful they couldn't sustain the genre on its own. Last year's film Dunegons & Dragons: Honor Amongst Thieves was mildly successful in trying to revive those type of films.

With the MCU trying to stabilize itself after several blunders. Other comic book films waiting in the wings. Long standing franchises like the Fast & Furious series heading into the sunset. Indiana Jones not connecting with a new generation. Franchises like Masters of the Universe and Power Rangers having a hard time getting off the ground. While properties like G.I. Joe and to an extent Transformers not able to refresh themselves.

It's time someone steps in and brings back those swashbuckling, gunfights left and right, falls and screams and high stakes. With just enough plot and dialogue to keep the story until the next action piece. We are waiting to experience the whiplash of roller coaster adventure films.

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Roc Was A One Of A Kind Sitcom

 

Thanks to a page on IG called Baltimore History Channel, the page made a post of a few scenes from the early 90's sitcom Roc which sent me down a Roc rabbit hole. The sitcom debuted in 1991 on Fox during a time Black sitcoms were used to help the network gain footing against the big 3 networks. Looking back at clips and episodes it's clear Roc was a special sitcom and there has been nothing like it since.

The sitcom starred Baltimore native Charles Dutton as Roc Emerson, a Baltimore sanitation worker who lived in a traditional Baltimore rowhome with his family. His wife Eleanor (Ella Joyce) who was a nurse, his womanizing musician brother Joey (Rocky Carroll), and his retired widowed father Pops (Carl Gordon). Later on in the series Roc and family adopted a pre-teen girl named Sheila (Alexis Fields) and later the couple had a baby of their own. 

The series was catergorized as a sitcom, but truthfully it was dramedy that realized early it had a voice and a responsibility to bring awareness to various issues affecting the Black community. Subjects covered throughout the sitcoms run included sexual assault, HIV, hospital billing teen violence, gangs, and drug dealers contributing to the decline of the Black community. A drug dealer named Andre played by Clifton Powell was the focal point of several episodes, which is another reason Roc was Special. There were many story arcs in the series, covering multiple episodes. 

Bullying and teen violence was another hot topic the series covered. Which is my favorite episode of the series, Terrance Got His Gun guest starring Brandon Adams. Speaking of guest stars, along with Brandon Adams and Clifton Powell, Roc pulled in several prominent Black entertainers during the show's run. Names like Loretta Devine, Garrett Morris, Debbi Morgan, Richard Roundtree Jamie Foxx, Heavy D, Eddie Griffin, Kadeem Hardison, Tone Loc, En Vogue (who also did the intro for season 3). Samuel L. Jackson, Tisha Campbell, Kim Fields, Jennifer Lewis,Salli Richardson, Sinbad, James Avery by now you get the point.

Another component that made Roc stand out and special was that for season 2, thee entire season all 25 episodes were aired Live on Fox. The core cast all had backgrounds in theater and were up for the challenge and succeeded. Going back and watching the episodes you may notice a flub here and there but nothing that took you out of the series. 

Roc was a special series and it's a shame it only lasted 3 seasons, but in those short 3 seasons it provided audiences with something to think about. A masterpiece of television, it is still underrated 30 plus years later for not being a typical sitcom. However, it truly was a one of a kind special sitcom that was needed. 

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All-Star SuperHero Team For Earth Month

 

I randomly thought of this topic at the 11th hour on Earth day, and while it spun around in my head to write it or not. I decided hell although I missed it for Earth day, April still is Earth Month and today is National Super Hero Day, as such I charged ahead with writing it. Keeping it short and simple here are 5 superheroes, neighborhood heroes, whatever you want to call them. Whose powers and mission statements. come from or to protect Mother Earth, and if needed this would be the team I'd call.

5. Toxie

Every team needs some sort of comic relief and Toxie would be that guy. Toxie is the main character of the Toxic Avenger film series, which were some low budget B movie trilogy during the 80's with a belated sequel in 2000. While the film series was rated R, in the early 90's a cartoon debuted changing the name to Toxic Crusader and taking a more environmentally kid-friendly approach.

Toxie was a meek young man named Melvin who accidentally came in contact with a toxin and became a super human. He then set out to fight off industrial polluters in his fictional hometown.

4. Swamp Thing

Swamp Thing is a DC Comics character depending on who you ask he is either a B level comic book character or C level. Swamp Thing is a a half human/half plant matter creature. He was a brilliant scientist named Alec Holland, and depending on which origin story is crafted one or another a bad accident forced him to merge with the swamps of Louisiana. He has superhuman strength, can manipulate any forms of plant. He also has regenerative ability, limiting the amount of damage inflicted upon him. He has made it his duty to protect the swamp land in which he lives, and the environment in general.

Swamp Thing has been portrayed in two live-action films, and two live-action television series. As well as a cartoon, and guest appearances on several other DC animated films and TV shows. Swamp Thing is the intelligent yet brooding and moody member of the team. 

3. Aquaman

Aquaman is the King of the seven seas. Aquaman's name beneath the seas is Orin and above ground it's Arthur Curry or A.C. He is a half-human, half-Atlantean, the son of the Queen of Atlantis and a human lighthouse keeper. He can communicate and call out for help all forms of marine life, with the ability to establish bonds with them. He has superhuman strength as a result of his Atlantean heritage and can breath underwater indefinitely. He is seen as the protector of the sea and everything that encompasses the sea.

Aquaman would be the overly confident borderline cocky member of the team. With his superior strength and other powers making him very sure of himself. Aquaman is one of DC Comics most popular comic characters, he has appeared in four live action films portrayed by Jason Mamoa, a live action incarnation of the series Smallville, and numerous cartoons.

2. Storm

A legendary member of the X-men team. Storm is a mutant capable of controlling the elements with her powers. She was born Ororo Munroe to a Kenyan princess mother and an American father who was a photographer. Her powers began to demonstrate during her Manipulating the weather is definitely a good skill to have if your trying to protect the one thing (mother nature) that grants you those specific powers. Her connection to earth is so strong, deep emotional states can cause severe uncontrollable weather events. She can also use her powers to fly and is a skilled hand to hand combat fighter. 

 Storm is a headstrong and fearless woman, who shows a great of compassion for others and is very loyal to her teammates. She has been portrayed by both Halle Berry and Alexandra Shipp in X-men live action films, and numerous X-men featured cartoons.

1. Captain Planet

Without a doubt the most well known eco-hero in pop culture. During the mid-90's Captain Planet was a very popular cartoon that aired on TBS, co-created by Barbara Pyle and Ted Turner. Captain Planet is an humanoid figure created through the power of five rings held by individuals dubbed The Planeteers. When needed the powers of wind, fire, water, earth, and heart combine and Captain Planet is called to action. He has the ability to fly, become invisible, and use the powers of the respective rings to manipulate the elements. 

Captain Planet has a dry sense of humor, but is a very noble individual. He cares tremendously about saving the environment, and will do what is needed to save the planet. Captain Planet has never been in a live action film, but he was featured in books, toys, and video games back in the 90's.

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My Top 5 MCU Movies

 5 years ago today, box office records were shattered, tears flowed, and fans everywhere witnessed one of the greatest cinema storytelling eras come to a end. With the release of Avengers Endgame, the culmination of a 11 year saga. Since that film's release the MCU has experienced a serious flow of ups and downs while trying to maintain it's grip on pop culture and introducing a new generation of characters.

Since the film series was such a juggernaut of the 2010's I figured I'd share my personal list of the top 5 MCU movies..so far. 

5. Iron Man

There have been way better movies the MCU has released since Iron Man was released in 2008. This film deserves a spot on any MCU film simply for providing the spark that started it all. While there may have been plans to kickstart a cinematic universe, if Robert Downey Jr's charismatic and confident yet conflicted turn as Tony Stark was not as enticing as it was, the MCU may have never been born.

The film's plot is serviceable and with it's minimal budget and effects some of the film has not aged well, but it's served it's purpose as Iron Man's and The Avengers origin story. Iron Man was a significant gamble that worked and birthed something we'd never imagine.

4. Guardians Of The Galaxy

At the time of the film's release it was so far different than anything Marvel had put out at the time. Featuring at the time a C list Marvel property full of C list characters, that many people outside of devoted fans had never heard of. James Gunn using the low expectations to his advantage, crafted a part space opera, part fish out of water 80's nostalgia comedic zinger of a film.

Peter Quill's introduction dancing to Red Bone Come and Get Your Love should be in any discussion regarding best character debuts. That debut scene also helped show we were in for a different kind of marvel film at the time. The film also played a bit part in continuing the arc of Thanos and the infinity stones. The film proved that light hearted comedy in comic films can work, and spawned two sequels, a Disney Plus special, rides at Disney Park's and more.

3. Winter Soldier 

Winter Soldier turned 10 Years old this year and to me is one of the better MCU films in the entire catalog and has held up very well. It was the MCU movie to me that had that first shit just got real moment, when it was revealed Hydra had infiltrated Shield for all these years. When First Avenger released in 2011, I personally overhyped the film so much I was severely disappointed when it didn't meet my expectations.

Winter Soldier exceeded my expectations, integrating a political conspiracy thriller into a comic book film. While giving Steve Rogers more of a purpose trying to find out what happened to his friend Bucky, was top tier story telling. For the action piece I think we all can admit the elevator scene is one the best fight scenes in cinema history. 

2. Black Panther 

When Black Panther was released February 16, 2018 it was a cultural event. Sold out shows, audience members came in droves with their dashikis on and represented leading the box office gate to a total of $1.3 billion. Fan's went to show love for the culture, but the story of the film is what engaged them. Showing a African Utopia society and the technological advancements  the fictional country Wakanda had was a sight to see. Chadwick Boseman was a screen general as Wakanda's king T'Challa and his hero Black Panther. T'Challa learned quickly in the film, that sometimes you pay for the sins of your parents and that the traditional way of doing things is not always the best. 

But it was Michael B. Jordan as one of Marvel's top 3 villains alongside Thanos and Loki who stole the show as Killmonger. Killmonger was full of rage and misplaced anger but wanted to use Wakanda's resources to help liberate Black people. T'Challa and Killmonger learn from one alone in their respective ways, which made the film even more powerful. It was he last film in the MCU released before the last two Avengers film to cap off the Infinity Saga, which gives it another cool spot in history.

1. Avengers Infinity War/Endgame

I count these two films released a year apart as one, mainly due to the fact it tells an complete story across the two and is an culmination of a saga. In fact originally the two films were called Infinity War part 1 and part II which illustrate how attached at the hip they are. Honestly Infinity War maybe the better film pacing and stakes wise, but Endgame is the more emotional film. Infinity War showed the chaos and brutality that Thanos could do and had that gut punch of seeing your favorite heroes turn into dust after that snap knowing we had to wait a full year to see how everything played out.

Endgame was a fan service film full of callbacks to previous films, easter eggs, that amazing final battle scene where Cap finally uttered the famous Avengers calling. I can watch that scene over and over by the way, and of course that emotional death. It truly was the apex of the MCU thus far and one of the coolest things to witness. This is why it is the best of the 33 films released in the MCU so far.

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A Zordon Origin Film? I'd Watch It

 

We live in a age where intellectual property (IP) is king, companies love mining from the archives looking to revive a property or use characters to spin off something new. Especially in this streaming environment, where streaming services constantly have to churn exclusive quality programs to justify people continuing to pay for them.

I was watching the 2017 Power Rangers movie recently, which deserves more love by the way. It got me thinking, why hasn't an Zordon movie or series been created yet?

As the thousands of years old mentor of the Power Rangers, Zordon has a lot of story to tell before he was banished to that chamber. Particularly during his battles against Rita Repulsa on his home planet of Eltar. The mythology of the series has alluded multiple times he was a legendary wizard, warrior and commander. 

It was briefly mentioned in the original series, it was mentioned in the 1995 Power Rangers film, and the 2017 film changed things to Zordon being a ranger himself. In 2016 Boom Studios released a comic book series that gave Zordon an extensive backstory.

Incorporate the best of his backstory from the various properties. Include his allies starting with Alpha 1 down to Alpha 5,  Dulcea (from '95 movie), and even King Lexian (Masked Rider series). Notable villains such as Goldar, Rito Revolto and Lord Zedd along with Rita Repulsa have to be included too. And it could make for an very entertaining story. 

I believe Paramount has the rights to the Power Rangers franchise, they honestly could make it an animated film like the upcoming Transformers One movie. Or make it a animated series and release it on Paramount Plus to entice subscribers and content is king. If they don't see the value, I'm positive Netflix would and scoop it right up.

If someone ever makes this an reality I'd watch it.

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G.I. Joe Next Movie Should Be A Cartoon

 

During Cinemacon yesterday, Paramount announced that a crossover film between Transformers and G.I. Joe is in development. If you've seen the latest Transformers movie Rise Of The Beast you remember the potential for this was teased.

I enjoyed G.I. Joe The Rise Of Cobra and appreciate it for what it is, essentially a live action movie. My biggest gripe with the film was Cobra's origin story and esthetic changes. Retaliation was a more grounded in reality, had some good action scenes, and set some things right from the first film (Cobra's look), but for whatever reason the majority of audience's didn't enjoy it.

After the failure of both G.I. Joe films and the 2021 Snake Eyes film, my guess is this is Paramount's attempt to salvage the G.I. Joe film franchise. I personally think the live action route is not the way to go for the franchise to move it forward. To get the franchise popular again an animated movie needs to happen.

An animated film would allow the G.I. Joe universe to be as over the top as possible and take more liberties to bring the mythology up to date.  And maybe incorporate some of the wackier aspects of the lore such as Serpentor and his clones. Incorporate some good humor and a core group of Joe's and it could work.

An animated film worked for the Ninja Turtles franchise last summer, it was Fresh and entertaining. And I'm waiting for a part 2. Paramount has an animated Transformers movie releasing in theaters later this year called Transformers One and starring Chris Hemsworth. Even though the live action film keeps falling through, Masters of the Universe has experienced some rejuvenation from the Netflix cartoon series.

If the masterminds at Paramount or potentially the future masterminds if the company is indeed bought, are truly trying to gain more ground and use IP's to their full advantage. They will make a G.I. Joe animated film.

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