TV Show Review - WandaVision

Season: Mini-Series
Genre: Adventure/ Action/ Comedy/ Drama
Number of episodes: 9
Year: 2021
Starring: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn, Teyonah Parris, Kat Dennings, Randall Park, Debra Jo Rupp  

Description: Blends the style of classic sitcoms with the MCU, in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems.

Review: Wanda Maximoff and Vision find themselves in their ideal dream world inspired by sitcoms from different eras. Slowly but surely Visio begins to doubt this reality and we must see this mystery unravel.
With “Avengers: Endgam”, Marvel put a stop to their so-called ‘infinity saga’. To which the next film, “Spider-Man: Far From Home”, functioned as a kind of epilogue to this. After a break of over a year and a half, Marvel is back with their first miniseries on Disney +: “WandaVision”. The start of a new phase of superhero stories that are all connected, both on the small and big screen.
The approach of “WandaVision” is highly original and manages to present something we have not seen before within the superhero genre. After the tragic loss that Wanda suffered in the previous Avengerd films, she has, with the help of her magical powers, created an ideal dream world with her husband Vision. She also ‘broadcasts’ this as a kind of television program to the outside world, hence the name “WandaVision”. Each episode sets a new era and is thus and ode to sitcoms of the past and present. For example, episodes are spefically inspired by: “The Dick van Dyke Show”, “Bewitched”, “The Brady Bunch”, “Family Ties”, “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Modern Family”.
In addition to this unique angle and fun nods to various shows, the core of this stoy is a mystery regarding Wanda and how exactly she created this world to her liking. We see subtle hints that tell us something is wrong or ‘mistakes’ are made in the TV shows. It is difficult to describe “WandaVision”, as I want to keep spoilers to a minimum, but many Marvel fan will be rewarded for their patience through the episodes.
“WandaVision” is the most original project Marvel Studios had produced. Completely unique in its execution and a rich viewing experience for superhero fans. Even though the series has ended, Wanda’s story continues in the upcoming “Doctor Strange: in the Multiverse of Madness”.

Ranking the Franchise - Thor

I just rewatched all the “Thor” movies. And although it’s not one of the most consistent Marvel franchises, it is spectacular and memorable. This franchise is not finished yet, so I will probably ‘rerank’ this series when “Thor: Love and Thunder” is released. But for now, here is my ranking of the three “Thor” movies we already have.

3. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
There is enough to enjoy in this sequel, but in general it’s a bit bland. And the villain, Malekith, isn’t very interesting and we don’t really get to know much about him. Chris Hemsworth does feel more comfortable in his role and the final confrontation is pretty cool.

2. Thor (2011)
A film like this makes or breaks with its leading man. And with Chris Hemsworth they got the perfect guy. Not only is her one of the most beautiful people Hollywood has to offer, but he’s also charismatic and can easily carry a film this big. “Thor” is a great first film in a series.

1. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
When a sequel disappoints, it’s a very bold step to add another sequel and totally spin it around. That’s what director Taika Waititi did for “Thor: Ragnarok”. And I think all the Gods for bringing him in, because he dared to takes risks, add humor and self-mockery and make it a more colorful world. “Thor: Ragnarok” isn’t only the best movie centering its hero, but it’s also one of the best MCU movies to date. And are we lucky to have Waititi back for “Thor: Love and Thunder”.

10s Movie Review - Thor

Director: Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Adventure/ Action/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2011
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Renee Russo, Idris Elba, Jaime Alexander, Colm Feore, Ray Stevenson, Clark Gregg, Jeremy Renner

Description: The powerful but arrogant Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

Review: Superheroes often carry a big burden. Whether it’s trying to control their super powers or hiding their identity; a hero has a big responsibility and has to deal with that daily. And that’s no different for Thor, the God of thunder.
The fate of the world is again hanging by a thread and the man with the hammer is the one to fight the evil. After he unleashes an ancient war with the Frost Giants, his father Odin banishes him for ignoring his orders and sends him to Earth. There it seems that Thor is unable to handle his hammer Mjolnir, until he shows that he is a true hero will he rekindle his powers.
Thor has a rich background story, as well from Norwegian mythology as the comic books that started in 1962. Thor is the only God amongst the Avengers. He comes from a world other then Earth. His world is visualized amazingly, it looks stunning.
Once Thor joins the Earthlings, there is room for humor. At first, Jane thinks he is a homeless guy, but when S.H.I.E.L.D. shows up Jane knows there is more to him. The humor never overshadows the action and the comedy is mostly very dry and always well-timed.
The creators try to avoid the black and white view on good and evil as much as possible. This makes for an interesting battle between brothers Thor and Loki, even though you know which one embodies good and which one is evil.
This is one of those films that makes or breaks due to the casting of its main hero. Chris Hemsworth stars in his first major role and he is the perfect choice. Hemsworth is undoubtably one of the most beautiful peope Hollywood has to offer, but with that he is also extremely charismatic and has humor that suits his character. Natalie Portman, who plays his love interest Jane, is mostly seen as the better actor of the two, but she never manages to step away from Hemsworth’s shadow. It feels more obligated for her.
“Thor” is a great film, highly entertaining and fun.

Rating: 4 / 5