"This isn't Freedom... This is Fear."

Captain America: The Winter Solider, released Friday April 4th and this just seemed like a good movie to bring my blog back to life. This film is fantastic for the genre it is a part of, aka: The Superhero Movie. It is one of the better superhero action movies I've seen in a while. I really enjoyed Thor 2: The Dark World but I think I like this one a little more.

The first Captain America, which was released in 2011, in my opinion, was a decent film. However, I will say it was not my favorite superhero movie, but hey it showed promised. I think one reason I am sort of biased toward these movies is because I love Captain American. Let's be honest, he is one of the best superheros around. Yes, he has powers but at the same time he is a regular guy. He is easy to relate to and he's honest. He stands for truth, justice, and freedom. The thing I love about these movies is the fact that the creators don't take that away from him. If they ever corrupt him I will be so pissed because we need more classic heroes in movies today.

Chris Evans makes the perfect Captain, I don't care what anyone else says. He looks the part; he is straight up, "classic American". In this film you can see that Chris put on double the muscle mass, so he looked so massive, which helped with the fight scenes in this film. They made Captain America pretty BA. His fight scenes are amazing. They really let him show off and they show how awesome he really is, which I love. It's good to see some solid combat scenes as well. I mean I love Iron Man as much as the next girl, but these close combat fights were so intense it was a nice change. Let's not forget Black Widow, played by the beautiful Scarlett Johansson. She was stunning as usual and her fight scenes are just as awesome as in the movies before.

Samuel L. Jackson, reprising his role as Nick Fury was hilarious as usual. That man has so much sass I cannot take it. He as quite a few one liners that are so funny you will laugh at them throughout the whole film. Other characters have good one liners as well, but Fury is just one of my favorite characters so I was glad he was in this film. Anthony Mackie also co-stars in this film playing Sam Wilson and he does a great job. I don't want to ruin the purpose of his character for those who do not know the story, but his character's plot takes a fun little twist that is enjoyable to watch.

The best part of this film was the mystery. The plot in this film far exceeds the plot of the first Captain America. The first one was literally 90% exposition. In this film, they jump right into the action. From the beginning of the movie you are trying to find out exactly where the story is going. The writers keep you in your seat, that much is true. The Winter Solider in this movie is a great opponent for Captain America. Their fight scenes are some of the best scenes in the whole film. They are both fast, strong, and smart; all this together creates so much tension that you might catch yourself with sweaty palms. The special effects in this movie are also really good. It is a pretty action movie in the sense that even though jank is blowing up all around the characters, you can still see the art in what the effects team is creating. The movie works however, because there is a happy marriage between effects and a good plot.

Overall, I give this film a solid A. It was a good action film and does justice to the Marvel Universe. It will be interesting to see where the Marvel Universe goes from here. Also stick around after the credits to watch the special scene. I had no idea what that scene meant but I'm excited to find out. So when you have time go see Captain America face his greatest challenge yet, in theaters now.

- Megan O'Neal

"What kind of monster are you?" "The Wolverine!"

So sorry this review is coming so late.. But lets talk about "The Wolverine". Let me start off by saying I saw this movie 2 times within the first week of it being released. Safe to say this was a well made movie and got me even more pumped for the new X-Men: First Class Movie.

I don't honestly think I need to say it, but I will for emphasis: Hugh Jackman was Amazing!!! I honestly do not think anyone else could be Wolverine. I mean honestly he is Logan. This film far exceeded my expectations. Hugh, as usual, dedicated himself to the role by sculpting his body to the role. His acting was very good (as always). Logan is different then he has been in the other films. He has always been a 'tragic hero' type. He has always been a little broken and a sort of somber character. However, in this film he has reached his lowest point. This movie picks up after X-Men: The Last Stand. Logan is being haunted by Jean after killing her months or years prior. And the movie is kind of an evolution of Logan, showing if he will be the guy he was or become something completely different.

This movie takes a lot of twist and turns and the ending will take you by surprise. The major plot is something happens to Wolverine that makes him lose his ability to heal quickly. He still is able to heal faster than normal people but not nearly as fast as he always does, which makes him vulnerable and weaker. However, he still finds himself protecting someone ( as usual) and that opens his heart to other things (yes to love friends)

The action in this movie is really really awesome!! There is a ninja/karate element that is just great. It's fun to watch. And the actors they picked to join Jackman in this film are very talented. Especially, Rila Fukushima, who plays Yukio. She looks after Logan and kicks some serious butt!! She was one of my favorite characters in the whole film. Her acting isn't the best, but you her fighting is amazing and that's good enough.

The end of this movie is what was soooo surprising to me and I didn't see it coming at all!! If you haven't seen it yet, I can not prepare you for what happens... sorry If you have seen it click the spoiler box!!

So when Logan gets his claws cut!!! WHAT!!! I legit screamed when I saw that. The writers did a great job of shocking me through out the film, but that was just a lot. I'm still confused as to what that means for Wolverine in the new X-Men movie coming out.. but I guess we'll see. Does anyone have any theories on how he will get his claws back?

 When viewing this movie you will be on your toes; it has its funny moments and a few moments of roromance but mostly its ACTION!! Which is what I want from my well... action movies! If you are weary about seeing this movie because Wolverine: Origins was kinda a flop, don't worry this movie makes up for that one and X-Men: The Last Stand (which isn't my fav). And stay tuned after the credits, trust me you will wanna see the clip afterwards. The Wolverine is out on DVD now so go rent or buy it now!! Enjoy!

- Megan O'Neal

" Ask yourself: what would you sacrifice, for what you believe??"

Thor 2 Released this fall!! And Yes guys I know I'm late on all this but I saw this movie twice opening weekend! And I'm back with a vengeance! So Let's talk Thor: The Dark World shall we....

Let's start with the fact that Chris Hemsworth really is Thor. They could not have picked a better person to play Thor. Like if you look at him, he really is the God of Thunder. Plus the costume looks amazing and better than ever. Also Hemsworth looks better than ever as well! He does a great job and we love him. And lets not forget who we love to hate: Loki! We all love him, even though we know he is bad. Tom Hiddleson is a great actor, we all know this. Him and Chris work so well together its amazing. I mean their bromance is that of legends. Just look at what  buzzfeed says about them:
- http://www.buzzfeed.com/lyapalater/chris-hemsworth-and-tom-hiddleston-are-the-hottest-bromance-
Anyway safe to say the two of them make this movie. Granted Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgård, Anthony Hopkins, and the other members of a cast do a good job as well.

Now the plot of this movie is good. Solid, I would say. Honestly, I figured out a section of the plot within like 10 mins, however, the movie had a couple turns that really shocked me and caught me off guard which is always nice. If you have seen it you know what two moments that were truly shocking. Speaking of

When Loki "dies" I think I cried for about 10 mins until my friend leaned over and told me they cant kill him. But in mind, well he was dead. I was a little suspicious when the "guard" came to tell Odin everyone was dead. But still I am confused on exactly how he could return. So if you have any ideas, please enlighten me! And what the heck happened to Odin? Also I was really upset when the mom died cause lets be honest she was freaking awesome! But her funeral scene was so pretty. I really loved that.

And Yes if you were wondering... there is tons of action. Way more than the first one. I was happy to see Thor use his hammer all the time! It brought such joy to my heart. This movie is pretty intense though, it will keep you on your toes. I enjoyed watching the characters figure out how to use portals and loop holes to their advantage. (if you haven't seen it yet, you'll understand later). This movie is actually pretty funny as well. They definitely turned up the action and comedy in this movie a ton. Also Jane and Thor have good chemistry in my opinion. I love seeing them interact; really I just love the way Thor looks at Jane; hes so freaking adorable!!

Overall, this movie is a lot better than the first, at least I think so. So if you enjoyed Thor or Avengers you will really like this one. So if you are a loser and haven't seen this movie yet, get out there and go see it. Or Redbox it the moment it comes out on DVD, which is estimated to be in March of 2014. So hit the movies guys and look for more of my reviews! I'm back to helping you guys know whats worth seeing and what's not! So Stay Excellent!!

- Megan O'Neal

"There's one thing you can never take away from me: I am Iron Man."

Iron Man was finally released into theaters on May 3 and I have seen it twice already. Its safe to say this movie lived up to my expectations. Where do I begin on breaking down the awesomeness of this movie?

Okay, lets start with the fact that the action in this movie is AMAZING!! I don't wanna give away too much to those people who haven't seen the film yet (speaking of, get your butt to a theater ASAP!), but the action scenes in this movie are intense. As seen in the trailer they blow up Tony Stark's house and I was at the edge of my seat. Things are blowing up,  people are flying backwards in slow motion, and the music cuts in, adding even more intensity to the sequence.  Tony is flying in and out of suits and even kicks butt when he is sometimes left with out the suit for a moment.

           - Spoiler Alert: Keep scrolling if you haven't seen the movie: However, Tony is not the only one who gets to take part in the action. Pepper Pots kills the action scene at the end of the film. Gwyneth Paltrow   looks great and the intensity in her face is perfect. And true to Pepper's character, after she kills the bad guy she looks around and says "Gee that was violent". It was awesome seeing Pepper fight in this movie cause honestly who doesn't love a strong female character kicking butt and saving her man every once and a while.

Moving away from action, poor Tony Stark just makes me sad with those puppy eyes. The film shows how he is having a hard time after New York and how his paranoia is overtaking his life. This effects his relationship with Pepper in some big ways. However, Pepper and Tony still are one of my favorite super hero couples. In this movie, they really show how much Tony needs and loves Pepper and its adorable. I'm a sucker for the lovey dovey stuff and I am not ashamed of it. So any women who is not a fan of action movies (for whatever strange reason) you will love the way Tony treats and talks about Pepper, its so cute.

I don't want to speak too much about the villain of this film because I don't want to give away too much of the plot. So for those who have not seen the film yet, LOOK AWAY...

         - Spoiler Alert: Okay, I know there are a lot of people who do not like the way The Mandarin was portrayed in this film, but I actually was okay with the fact that they made him a fake. I thought it was a funny touch that most of the audience appreciated.  This is the most intense of the 3 Iron Man films so I think, Trevor  is a nice touch to the film. As for Aldrich Killian... man.... he gives me the creeps. Guy Pearce is just the perfect villain. I mean come on Count of Monte Cristo, Prometheus, and countless other films, Pearce just makes a good bad guy. We love to hate him and that's the truth. He is a good actor though and I was impressed (once again) with his villainy in this film. 

Lastly, I don't want to talk about it too much, but a kid helps Tony in this film and he is amazing. The kid's name is Harley, played by Ty Simpkins, and he is just hilarious and cute. He is kinda witty and sarcastic just like Tony. He is basically a mini Tony Stark and he is so cute. Him and RDJ act well with each other; they flow and their interactions seem natural. So when you do go see the film, pay attention to Harley cause he is pretty great.

Overall, I really liked this Iron Man. It was funny and filled with action. The writers developed Tony Stark's character even more but even though he has been through a lot, he was still the same witty, cocky, billionaire that we love. And as usual, RDJ, is perfect in this film. He does Iron Man justice once again. And I believe we will see him again in The Avengers 2. So if you love action, Marvel, Superheroes, and good movies in general, Go see Iron Man 3.

-Megan O'Neal