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based on a comic

“Wonder Woman 1984” soars, but only rarely

Wonder Woman 1984
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Gal Gadot remains great in the title role, but the sequel does too little, while doing too much, to match her.

Tim Stevens Posted on December 18, 2020December 18, 2020

“I’m axking you for an apologeky”: “Popeye” at 40

Popeye
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Robert Altman’s adaptation of the seminal comic strip remains a prime example of how to bring a cartoon to life in earnest.

Peter Sobczynski Posted on December 7, 2020December 7, 2020

From page to screen, “Spider-Man 2” brought New York to life

Spider-Man 2
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Despite attempts to recapture its magic, Sam Raimi’s second superhero entry remains the best in energy and empathy.

Ben Kaye Posted on October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

“Helstrom” takes you only as far as limbo

Helstrom
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The pre-Disney era of Marvel TV finally comes to a close in the most mundane, workmanlike way possible.

Tim Stevens Posted on October 10, 2020October 10, 2020

“Woke” is a comedy that balances serious with silly

Woke
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Keith Knight & Marshall Todd’s new Hulu series is a sly mix of comedy and real-life issues that makes for a satisfying social comment.

Dot Green Posted on September 8, 2020September 8, 2020

“The Boys” blasts away superhero fatigue in season 2

The Boys Season 2
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Amazon’s anti-superhero show returns for a more assured sophomore run that gives its broad satire deeper character.

Jon Negroni Posted on August 24, 2020August 24, 2020

“Random Acts of Violence” is dopey, dreary horror

Random Acts of Violence
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Jay Baruchel’s adaptation of the 2010 comic is an ugly attempt at social commentary that lacks irony or emotion.

Matt Cipolla Posted on August 20, 2020September 29, 2020

At 10, “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” can still take on all comers

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
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10 years later, Edgar Wright’s comic adaptation lingers for its bevy of influences as much as its originality.

Justin Harrison Posted on August 13, 2020August 12, 2020

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” Found Poignancy In Its Cosmic Weirdos

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
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James Gunn’s interstellar hangout movie is weird and messy, but deeply, admiringly focused on its characters and an earnest emotional core.

Douglas Laman Posted on April 21, 2020April 21, 2020

How “Spider-Man: Homecoming” Updated the Teen Film for the MCU Era

Spider-Man: Homecoming
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Alien robots and evil Norse gods may prove a thrill to the multiplex, but here, they’re not much more intimidating than adolescence.

Sean Price Posted on April 21, 2020April 21, 2020

Is “Captain America: Civil War” More Political Thriller or Comic Book?

Captain America: Civil War
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Building off the political intrigue of their first MCU entry, the Russo brothers further blended reality and fantasy in their second smash hit.

Andrea Thompson Posted on April 19, 2020April 19, 2020

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” Blurs the Line Between “Good” and “Good Enough”

Avengers: Age of Ultron
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With production issues and a shift in the franchise’s creative team, Joss Whedon’s final MCU entry has just enough to work.

David Rollison Posted on April 19, 2020April 19, 2020

“Bloodshot” Is a Mediocre Movie for the Ultimate Soldier

Bloodshot
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Vin Diesel nicely keys into more stoic shootouts, but the movie around him can’t weld together its medley of genre inspirations.

Tim Stevens Posted on March 13, 2020March 13, 2020
© 2021 The Spool. Podcast logo by Josh Hollis. Made with love by Pixelgrade
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