YeinJee's Asian blog

Asian Culture, Lifestyle and Entertainment

Jack Kirby

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series trailer

by

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D is an American TV series based on the Marvel Comics organisation S.H.I.E.L.D. It’s an acronym for Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. It’s a spy agency in a world of superheroes, and they obviously create the name on purpose to spell SHIELD.

The show is a spin-off from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie franchise, and its plot will coincide with the major events in the film series. Clark Gregg will play the main lead in the TV show, reprising his role as Phil Coulson, one of the top SHIELD agents in the movies.

The TV series will premiere on ABC in America in September 2013. Check out the official trailer…

I’ve not watched any of the MCU films except The Incredible Hulk, which is probably the least relevant movie in the franchise. I’m not sure if I can appreciate the content of the TV series because of that. On contrary it could be a good place to start immersing into the universe instead.

Regardless, the series also stars Ming-Na Wen, an actress I like since the 1990s. She still looks amazing (and kicking ass) at the age of 49. I’ll probably give the show a try just for that. The rest of the main cast includes Brett Dalton, Chloe Bennet, Iain De Caestecker and Elizabeth Henstridge.

For Malaysians, the show will be on Astro but no details so far, please follow up on your own. They will spam their channels with teasers when things are confirmed though, it’ll be hard to miss.

Update, end of season one – It’s a decent series, with plenty of drama and action. And it works as a show of its own even if we are not familiar with the movie franchise. I did watch the The Avengers at the mid of the season though, and it does make the series even better. I presume it could be pretty epic for people who have watched all the MCU films. Will continue watching the second season regardless.

On side note, check the Marvel Entertainment tag for future Marvel related blog updates.

Marvel Avengers Assemble movie trailer

by

Trailer for Avengers Assemble (or The Avengers, depends on where you live), a Hollywood scifi-action flick starring a bunch of superheroes, and Scarlett Johansson…

To be frank I’m not familiar with Marvel’s comics, and this is the first time I’ve read of the Avengers (and realising that all these superfolks are actually connected). Seems like an interesting movie regardless. Coming soon in April (UK) or May (US).

Marvel Avengers Assemble UK movie poster

Hulk (2003) movie trailer

by

Speaking of the new Hulk movie, which will be in cinemas next month, let’s discuss a bit about the 2003 adaptation by Taiwanese director Ang Lee. The old film stars Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, Josh Lucas and Nick Nolte. It’s simply titled as Hulk, check out the trailer…

The film received polarising reviews – some people love it, many others hate it. Unlike many superhero movies, director Ang Lee focused on storytelling instead of the action. The visual effect is also special in a comical way, kind of a homage to the action films in the 80s.

If you watch Hulk today and know nothing about the actors, you may have guessed that it’s a film from that era (80s-90s). It’s what the director had intended, for better or worse. I’m fine with the visual style though; I actually like some of the ideas, and I appreciate filmmakers who try something different.

Overall it’s above average for me. The action is comical but fun in some ways; the tank-throwing part will always be epic; and there’s Jennifer Connelly. I can understand that the directive style is not everyone’s cup of tea though, it’s rather unique; and the story is too long especially with its slow pacing.

The upcoming adaptation is a reboot and stars Edward Norton as the title character. It will feature a new story instead of going through the “how Bruce became Hulk” part again though. And it’s supposed to be part of a new movie franchise which also features the Iron Man etc.

The Incredible Hulk movie trailer

by

Trailer for The Incredible Hulk, an American superhero movie based on Marvel Comics character the Hulk. Directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, and William Hurt. In cinemas in the US next month.

The film is a reboot and not a sequel of the 2003 film, Hulk. Comparisons are inevitable but it’s two very different movie when it comes to visual style. The previous hulk looks a lot more comical (as intended) and not really everyone’s cup of tea, and thus the “new” hulk scores one from the start.

Update and verdict

Watched the movie on TV months later, it’s decent stuff.

It’s difficult to compare this with the 2003 film though. The 2008 film is action driven while the previous one (directed by Ang Lee) focuses on storytelling. I think the new movie will be more favourable for audience these days that don’t have much patience when it comes to entertainment (and everything else).

I’m an old minded folk who’s fine with those “boring” drama stuff. That being said, the 2003 film is a bit long winded even from my point of view. The new film is the polar opposite with almost no backstories; it finishes the first hour of the old movie in a few minutes instead.

The 2008 film is better in visual effects by a huge margin. The 2003 version has a retro style (to the 80s) which doesn’t work well with most people. Meanwhile, the new hulk looks awesome, and the CGI action is on par with modern action/scifi/superhero films.

Overall I find the old film slightly more favourable – Jennifer Connelly probably helps shift the balance a bit – but it’s really a matter of what we want from a movie experience. Apple vs orange, as the old cliche goes.