Comic Book Movies
Joker: A Well-Deserved Oscar Statuette For Joaquin Phoenix
I just hope my death makes
more cents than my life.
Weltschmerz. Despair. Grief. Desperation. Those are the keywords that came to mind after watching this movie. If you are a superhero film fan and you expect heroic confrontations between this crazy clown and our bats-related superhero in a tight latex suit, you can safely turn around and skip this film. The interpretation of “The Joker” by Jack Nicholson was masterful. He played a mean Joker who was obsessed with money and power. But without a doubt, Heath Ledger’s interpretation is the most legendary. He played Joker’s insanity and psychopathic behavior in an unparalleled way. An outstanding acting performance. What Joaquin Phoenix does in this film, however, is breathtaking and brilliant at the same time. After “You were never really here” I thought Phoenix belonged to the leading group of excellent actors. After “Joker“, for me anyway, he’s already the front-runner in that group.
A confronting and impressive film.
I am not easily impressed by a movie. But “Joker” made an immense impression on me. And not because of the violence. By the way, I found the reports of people leaving the cinema prematurely, because it became too intense, grossly exaggerated. Every average action movie today is filled with aggressive scenes full of senseless violence. I was more overwhelmed by a constant uncomfortable feeling while watching this film. A feeling of pity and vicarious shame. For Arthur Fleck, as well as for the fellow citizens he meets in his daily life. For me, the saddest scene was the stand-up comedy moment. You know Arthur’s performance will be completely ridiculous and that his would-be funny performance will backfire in his face. The most significant scene was the one with the over-concerned mother in the subway who shouts at Arthur and tells him to stop intimidating her child. After his hysterical laughing, she turns her back on him anxiously. Pitiful. Confronting. Enough incentive to derail the psyché of this disturbed soul.
Phenomenal Phoenix.
Joaquin Phoenix is phenomenal. Not only is he extremely psychologically vulnerable. Also physically he looks emaciated and fragile. Little more than skin and bone. It looked as if his rib cage would burst out of his body. And his shoulder blades could be ripping through his skin at any time. Skin like yellow parchment full of cracks. Just like his by antidepressants ravaged morbid mind. Antidepressants that are needed to control his uncontrollable laughter and help him through his measly existence. A hopeless life without understanding and loving feelings. Except toward his mother (Frances Conroy). An old woman who sits all day in her seat. Demented. Fading away. With a daily routine of writing letters to Thomas Wayne (Brett Cullen), father of Bruce Wayne and future mayor of Gotham, asking if he could help them.
May the force be with you.
“Joker” is not a relaxing film. It’s depressing to see how such an individual is harassed and spit out by society. Not a day goes by without being scorned, physically abused or treated as a leprosy patient. This downward spiral he’s getting into creates an explosive moment in which he takes matters into his own hands, resulting in a disastrous outcome. The discharge that follows afterward, has been portrayed both frighteningly and magically. That unreal and silly dance in the public toilet is probably a moment of realization that his life is at a tipping point. And without realizing it, he becomes the symbolic force behind a movement against injustices in society. A sort of evil, insane Katniss Everdeen for the outcasts. And although many don’t like to hear this, the number of similarities with our current society is alarmingly high.
Hand over that statuette. And fast.
Yes, “Joker” is a sort of origin story of Batman’s most infamous archenemy. On the other hand, this could be the portrait of so many others as well. Everyday people who struggle with their personality and fall through the cracks and out of the system at all levels. Individuals who are often driven into a corner and cultivate a destructive hatred toward everything and everyone. And then there’s a day their fuse blows and they resort to actions that aren’t tolerated by modern society. Not that I approve of these actions but I think it’s kind of logical consequence. “Joker” is not part of a superhero universe. This film is more realistic than any psycho-dramatic film. A film that shows how an underdog grows into a monstrous tormentor who preaches chaos and destruction. A numb, sick mind that doesn’t care. The harder you pound him, the louder his laugh. The movie “Joker” helped me understand who that figure is and where he comes from. For me the most impressive film out of the superheroes potpourri that we’ve seen these few last years. And for my par. He’ll certainly be laughing about it uncontrollably the evening of the award ceremony.
My rating 9/10
Links: IMDB
Samuel L. Jackson has revealed when fans can expect to see Nick Fury back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it won’t be in Avengers: Doomsday.
Jackson recently spoke with The Direct while attending the premiere of his new film The Beast. When asked when audiences would see him return as Nick Fury, Jackson indicated that his comeback will happen in the Avengers movie following Doomsday.
“Next movie… [The] movie after this one.”
Jackson said.
When asked whether he could reveal anything about the upcoming film, Jackson admitted that Marvel Studios hasn’t given him much information.
“I have no idea. [Marvel] hasn’t told me anything, other than, ‘You’re not gonna be in this movie. You’ll be in the next.’”
While Jackson didn’t specifically name Avengers: Secret Wars, Marvel’s current slate makes the implication clear. Avengers: Doomsday is the next Avengers installment, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars.
[marvel studios]
Jackson has been one of the MCU’s longest-running stars. Nick Fury first appeared during the post-credits scene of 2008’s Iron Man, approaching Tony Stark about the Avengers Initiative and helping set the foundation for what would eventually become the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fury went on to become an important connective figure throughout the Infinity Saga, appearing alongside the Avengers and playing major roles in films including The Avengers, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Age of Ultronand Captain Marvel.
Jackson most recently played Fury in 2023, starring in the Disney+ series Secret Invasion before appearing in The Marvels.
Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury [marvel studios]
With Secret Wars expected to serve as the culmination of Marvel’s Multiverse Saga, however, bringing back the man who helped assemble the original Avengers would give one of the MCU’s longest-running characters a place in another major chapter of the franchise.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026, with Avengers: Secret Wars currently scheduled for December 17, 2027.
Comic Book Movies
Christopher Abbott Says He Hasn’t Read the X-Men Script Yet but ‘Can’t Wait’ to Play Professor X
Christopher Abbott may already be Marvel Studios’ new Professor Charles Xavier, but the actor says he still knows surprisingly little about what awaits him in the MCU’s upcoming X-Men movie.
Abbott was officially announced as Professor X earlier this year, taking over one of the franchise’s most iconic roles following previous live-action portrayals by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy. Despite already landing the part, Abbott revealed that he has yet to read the screenplay for the highly anticipated reboot.
“I haven’t read anything yet. Nothing,”
Abbott said while discussing the film. “I’m not even being coy. It’s true, I haven’t read anything.”
While Marvel is apparently keeping details close to the vest, Abbott made it clear that he is excited about joining the project and working with director Jake Schreier.
“But I’m excited to work with Jake Schreier, I think he’s a great director and that cast is really, really good,” Abbott continued. “I can’t wait, I love the X-Men.”
Charles Xavier [Image credit: Marvel Comics]
That could provide an interesting indication of how Marvel Studios and Schreier are approaching Professor X. Charles Xavier possesses one of the most powerful mutant abilities in the Marvel universe, but some of the character’s most memorable stories have centered on his complicated relationships with his students, fellow mutants and longtime friend and ideological rival Magneto.
Abbott’s comments also suggest that Marvel is still keeping major story details away from at least some members of the cast. With the movie not scheduled to arrive until 2028, there is still plenty of time before cameras begin rolling.
The upcoming X-Men movie will introduce Marvel Studios’ primary version of the mutant team following years of individual mutants and characters from Fox’s X-Men universe appearing throughout the MCU.
Marvel’s X-Men Cast [D23]
For Abbott, the opportunity also marks another chance to enter the Marvel universe after appearing as The Foreigner in 2024’s Kraven the Hunter. This time, however, he’ll be stepping into a considerably larger role as the leader and founder most closely associated with the X-Men.
And even without seeing the script yet, Abbott already sounds ready to get started.
“I can’t wait,” he said. “I love the X-Men.”
Comic Book Movies
Anthony Mackie Reveals Avengers: Secret Wars Will Still Be Filming Months Before Release
Marvel Studios may be facing a tight turnaround to complete Avengers: Secret Wars ahead of its scheduled December 2027 release.
Anthony Mackie, who plays Sam Wilson/Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently revealed that he expects to return to work on Secret Wars after completing his upcoming Broadway run in Macbeth.
Mackie is set to star in the Broadway production beginning in 2027, with the run expected to keep him occupied through July. Speaking about what comes next, Mackie confirmed that Avengers work will be waiting for him once the production concludes.
“So once I finish on Broadway, I’ll go to finish up all the Avengers stuff for Secret Wars,” Mackie said.
The comment is particularly interesting considering Avengers: Secret Wars is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 17, 2027. If Mackie is still completing work on the film after July, Marvel could have roughly five months between his return and the movie’s theatrical release.
Anthony Mackie [Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images]
Still, the timing adds to questions surrounding just how ambitious Marvel’s schedule for Secret Wars has become.
Reports have previously suggested that principal photography may not begin until early 2027. The Russo Brothers have also spent much of 2026 completing Avengers: Doomsday, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 18, 2026.
Secret Wars will follow just one year later and is expected to serve as the culmination of Marvel Studios’ Multiverse Saga. A movie of that scale will likely require extensive visual effects and post-production work, making the increasingly compressed production timeline notable.
For comparison, Avengers: Doomsday completed principal photography more than a year before its scheduled theatrical release, although additional photography continued afterward.
There has already been speculation that Secret Wars could eventually move from its December 2027 release date, but Marvel Studios has not announced a delay. For now, December 17, 2027 remains the official date.
Mackie’s comments don’t confirm that a delay is coming, but they do provide a clearer picture of how late work on one of Marvel’s biggest movies could continue.
Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on December 17, 2027.
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