The place to go to see many different forms of entertainment. This is a blog where I share my opinion on things I find fascinating, or down right badass. Comments and opinions are always encouraged. Read and enjoy.
Stay Humble.
There is so much appreciation for a film that can give each character a fair amount of time to build. Joss Whedon, once again, able to do this in his summer blockbuster Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Whedon was able to make every character have a place in this film. This time, however, he takes each character, and gives them the depth that was not as prominent in the first Avengers film. He opens up each individual’s worlds, especially the characters who don’t have the kind of spotlight that comes with solo films. This allowed each character to feel real, in the sense that these people have lives in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This helps viewers understand the character, but not necessarily relate to them.
There was also deep connections between each character, where in the previous film these heroes were still getting acquainted. Now, they’re much more comfortable with each other, and have built important relationships. The viewers begin to realize that all of these superheroes need one another. This breathes humanity into these characters and makes them easier to relate with.
Whedon does an excellent job with the character of Hawkeye. Without spoiling too much, they explain why he is needed in a team of superhero beings, and who he is outside of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The villain himself, Ultron, is the best villain in the second phase of the MCU thus far. Surprisingly, this character, created with artificial intelligence, has possibly the most enigmatic personality in the film, drawing more attention from viewers than Tony Stark or Thor. James Spader does a good job of making this character menacing, and did what he could to make Ultron feel like the Avenger’s biggest threat yet.
The one critique this film has to face is, even with Whedon’s attempts to stay away from it, this film is overcrowded. Not so much with characters, but events. The film is telling the story of what’s happening now, but Marvel Studios has to put elements in the film that tease the following movies in the continuity. This takes away time from the film, and doesn’t give any answers as to what the viewers are seeing, most likely to get the viewer to watch the next film.
According to the director himself, there were ideas he really want to work into the movie, but Marvel Studios demanded the scenes they wanted be placed in the film. He also mentions that the studio nearly threatened to get rid of the scenes in the film which created personality for the characters. It could be assumed that incidents like this is the reason why Whedon has stepped away from Marvel Studios after Age of Ultron.
Even the new characters, although creating a foundation for the characters, there was not very much revealed about the personalities of them. Hopefully, their personalities will grow as the MCU unfolds.
With all of that said, watching this film was still an incredible time. It is without a doubt, a summer blockbuster everyone should go see.
In anticipation for the upcoming reboot of 20th Century Fox's Fantastic Four reboot, I sat at my computer and talked to comic book enthusiast Robert Jefferson from YouTube channel ComicsExplained. Link to his channel here. We talk about the overall fan reaction to the news on the film, comparing it to the comics, and where the movie can improve from the original films.
Famous director, Robert Rodriguez has started a new chapter in his career with the El Rey Network back in 2013. He has created a channel that is revolutionary to the Mexican pop culture. Mexico's culture is filled with original entertainment. However, it's been difficult for anyone to help Americans see that. Robert Rodriguez has been entertaining millions of people all over the world, and has used the Mexican culture as his source of inspiration. Now, he brings his pop culture friendly twist on Mexican entertainment to American television. The El Rey Network's goal is simple: bring badass television to fan of badass television. Their latest step in doing that is the heavily lucha influenced wrestling show, Lucha Underground.
Including some of the hottest up-and-coming Mexican wrestlers from AAA (Mexico's top wrestling promotion), Lucha Underground was set up to be a breathe of fresh air to the often seen American style wrestling shown in promotions such as TNA and WWE. Lucha wrestling is a whole different kind of show on it's own, but El Rey Network takes the show a step further with it's unique camera shots and storylines.
This shot, for example, looks very theatric rather than a live event. Many of the show's segments in between matches look similar to this. As a matter of fact, it's these movie-style segments that give the show such unique storytelling. Of course, what's a good story without a talented cast.
The in-ring talent in Lucha Underground's roster is both awe-inspiring good and diverse. They have done a good job in getting different wrestling styles that help each fighter stand out in their own way while staying at the root of lucha style. There's the brawlers, the technical fighters, and of course, the high flyers. They also add one idea to their in-ring product that is barely ever seen in wrestling shows anymore, and that is inter-gender fighting. The girls on the show can hold their own in the ring for sure. Not only do they put on great matches, but they've successfully gotten over with the fans as well.
Getting over in Lucha Underground could be very challenging. The personalities that each wrestler poses could easily be ignored as ridiculous. However, because of how unique the show is portrayed, the out-of-this-world gimmicks shown on the show is praised for being different. The show is only a few weeks in, yet the characters have progressed into people the fans could get interested in. Beyond their uniqueness, they have made it clear what their role in the promotion is.
In conclusion, there is a trailer below showcasing some of the talent on Lucha Underground. Take a look, and tell me what you think about the characters or the show in general. If you are a Google+ member share any thoughts you have in the comments below. If you're not a member, hit me up on twitter @helmetjack.
Guardians of the Galaxy, a tale of a band of the unlikeliest heroes who save the galaxy from destruction, was the number one movie of the summer. As a lesser known part of the Marvel Universe, Marvel Studios took a risk adding this story to it's Cinematic Universe. The numbers don't lie, and the risk certainly paid off. Not only did the movie do so well in Box Office, but Guardians of the Galaxy has created a huge fan base. The franchise has made tons of money off of collectible toys, and the reaction to their announcement of a sequel release date was ecstatic. It's safe to say that the movie did okay for itself. However, whenever anyone talks about galactic science fiction films, it's hard not to bring up the Star Wars series. Possibly the most popular movie series of it's genre, Star Wars has always been the go-to movie for comparisons. Yet, comparing Guardians of the Galaxy to Star Wars seems almost ridiculous. Not because one film is superior to the other, but because although they are both set in outer space, there are few similarities. Sure, they both have laser guns, space ships, multiple worlds, multiple species, and epic fight scenes. Still, the major differences between these films lie in the mood of their stories. Where Star Wars is more serious, Guardians is more humor based and light hearted. That's not to say Star Wars doesn't have it's bright moments, only overall Guardians focuses more on humor.
For example look at Star Wars' new teaser trailer for The Force Awakens:
Now look at GOTG's trailer from this summer:
Right from their trailers, the viewer could already feel the difference in vibes of the movies.
What do you guys think about these film franchises? Do you think they do have space for comparison? Do you have one you think is better? If you do, or have anything else to mention, please do in the comments or tweet me @helmetjack.
Childish Gambino, once considered only an experiment by screenwriter, actor and comedian Donald Glover, has grown into one of the most recognizable rappers on the radio. Sending shockwaves throughout the industry, the nerdy jokester from Georgia has proved that he belongs. In celebration of this musician's career, Helmet Jack's inaugural article will cover Childish Gambino's Top Ten Songs. Notice: This is an opinionated article, and does not by any means reflect anyone else's opinion other than the writer's own. Any other opinion on this articles topic is encouraged to be shared.
10. 3005
The song that took Childish Gambino to the next level. This song's production brings a happy vibe, with it's high pitched keys, and cartoon-like voices that closed the song. Gambino's lyrics, however covers in part the relationships around him and his reality that some of the relationships aren't loyal ones. Gambino covers a lot of other ideas in this song as well, which makes the chorus very interesting. The chorus, which covers Gambino's loyalty to someone, or something, no matter what, can be expressing anything really. This allows the fans to decide what the song means to them. The song also has a unique quality of giving the feeling that Gambino is talking face to face with the listener. That quality as well as the song's popularity make this song good enough to get the number 10 spot on the list.
9. American Royalty
This song stood out on top of Childish Gambino's 2012 mixtape Royalty. This mixtape showed a transition in Childish Gambino's style, and also showcased multiple features. However, these featured artists put out some of their best features of their careers, which sometimes overshadowed Gambino's verses. This might have been unfortunate for Gambino, but fortunate for the fans. "American Royalty" consisted of an impressive feature from the legendary RZA, but Gambino was able to keep up with him in this song. The beat transition from an orchestra to an electronic influenced beat benefitted Childish Gambino, and painted a passing of the torch. Gambino delivers hard-hitting lines like "tweeting when I'm seventy, these half-dead followers" and "old school J's like Beyoncé's fiancée", which left fans hopeful for this transition in his career, and puts this song at number 9 on the list.
8. Freaks and Geeks
There's no more exciting time in a rapper's career than when they're hungry for something. Donald Glover was hungry to prove that he can rap, never mind his acting career. Introductions leave an impact, and in the song "Freaks and Geeks" he left a lasting impact. Showcasing a cartoony and nerdy character, Childish Gambino was shaping to be a fun, and refreshing rapper. This song featured lines that have become favorites for Childish Gambino fans. Lines like, "I'm the shit, when these dudes talk they talking bull me", "Unless we're fucking, then I'll pay for all the food on the earth" and "Chilling with my N-words, say it like a white kid" have all made this song a fan favorite, and guarantees it a spot in this top ten list.
7. Backpackers
Childish Gambino does an incredible job with this song. Going hard on a song without losing focus on the song's topic is a talent. Gambino spits on a great piece of production about annoying "fake" rap fans and know it all's, a.k.a. backpackers. Gambino opens the song by introducing his personality, and smoothly rolls into what annoys him about backpackers all just in the first verse. The rest of the song is dedicated to making fun of this community, and it makes for pure enjoyment to the listeners' ears. This is probably the best execution by Gambino of spitting hard, and wisely.
6. Hearbeat
"Heartbeat" is a song that had a sound that was not common in the rap genre at this time, but Childish Gambino took a risk with it. It sure paid off, being a hot single from his debut album Camp. Consisting of verses about a mixed feeling relationship between Gambino and his ex-girlfriend, and an electronic influenced beat, it all adds up to anything but rap. Yet, Gambino's flow and honesty still got the song on a lot of his fans' favorites list.
5. All The Shine
This song was an opportunity to see what Childish Gambino thought about his own music at the time of the release of Camp in 2011. He goes into deep thought about trying to get attention by making a cool sound in his music, but realizing he'd rather be himself on his music. He also comes to the realization that being himself isn't what some people want to hear, and blames himself for being out casted. Gambino's verses get the listener thinking, and the production keeps them from overthinking. Supported by beautiful sounding keys and a not too stand out-ish guitar performance, the production complements the song better than most of Childish Gambino's songs ever.
4. The Last
The closing song to Childish Gambino's 2010 mixtape Culdesac was the first time listeners heard a more serious side to Childish Gambino. He touches a lot of topics he would later become popular for. Sticking out for the wrong reasons when he was young, how important his success previous to rap is to him, and keeping his comedy career and music career separate. This song, however, expands on those topics. Gambino touches on how his rough childhood inspired him to work for success, and even mentions Tina Fey inspiring him. Gambino also mentions that he was at a place in his career where financially he could take the risk of focusing more on his music career. So, in a way, this song could be considered a major turning point in Gambino's career, where he took another step out of his comfort zone and into an industry that he would later becoming incredibly successful in.
3. III. Telegraph Ave. ("Oakland" by Lloyd)
A personal favorite by Childish Gambino. This song is a great example of how a song of this generation should be put together. From the smoothness of Gambino's singing to how well he transitions to rapping, Gambino does a great performance vocally on this song. The production on the song was a treat as well. It features ear catching samples, and background vocals that add to the great vibe this song gives out, making this song belong on this list.
2. Outside
The opening song to Camp prepared listeners perfectly for the theme of the rest of the album. Chorus singing transitioning to passionate rapping, delivered by Gambino, set up for a song that was put together so artfully. Gambino did a great job of laying out his story, how his success disconnected him from the streets. He also touches on how he wanted acceptance from the streets when he was young, but now wants to get his family out of the streets. This was a deep side of Childish Gambino that was hardly ever shown before. To the shock of many, he did so in convincing fashion. These "deep in thought" verses would continue throughout his debut album.
1. Hold You Down
"Outside" was a great set up for an amazing debut album, but it was "Hold You Down" that stood out the best way. Childish Gambino takes all the elements of his rap style and put them to work in this song. With signature orchestra samples in the production and soft singing, the song had a strong structure. Gambino's message in this song, however is what makes this song his best yet. He speaks, yet again about his struggles in fitting in as a kid, but this time touches on his family's financial struggles, and how he tried to make the best with what he had. He also brings up how people look at him. How rap fans see him as a comedy act, how white people see him as any other black kid, and how black people didn't even consider him a black person because "he had a dad" and his personality. He leaves an impactful message in his song; don't let the world decide who you are. He closes off the song by declaring he is going to be one of the greatest rappers ever, and today it can be said that he has made good on his promise.
