James Gunn FIRED from Marvel! And Why I Am Conflicted!

First off, I do not want to show myself in defence of the words that James Gunn has been known to deliver on his Twitter account between 2008-2011. The comments are disgusting, horrific and beyond comprehension. Twitter has been seen as a dangerous medium for many users who have experienced a “bump” in their career because of what they have contributed to the social media site. Roseanne Barr saw her sitcom swiftly cancelled following the message she put out about a former advisor of Obama, why she thought a racist post would be OK on such a much used site such as Twitter is just insane and I am glad she felt the repercussions.

While Gunn was indeed apologetic for his comments that he made well in advance and must had been aware to Disney and Marvel before his hiring, the company has in the last 24 hours made the decision to eject Gunn from both Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 and out of Disney altogether. This leaving a sour taste in the mouths of the fans and doubts over the future for the film in question.

The sacking of James Gunn is indeed a strange case, while I feel that anyone who jokes about paedophilia and rape should be taken extremely seriously and punishment should be delivered to that individual, is it right to punish someone after all these years? As mentioned earlier, I don’t see how Marvel and Disney could not have been made aware of these comments before. Why is it only when he made a comment about Trump, which many have done before, did the historical messages come to light?

The Daily Caller; a website you may not be too familiar with, has also shown their loving support to President Donald Trump in recent years. Not only with the slams against Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, but also co-founder Tucker Carlson has seemingly supported Trump over many of the noteworthy articles to fill the papers and the news sites over the last few years.

As a British citizen, I will admit I don’t dabble in US politics and I also do not have an opinion over what is right or wrong with the political climate of the United States. I write this article more as a piece to consider, James Gunn was exposed by this site and then had members share the historic tweets over the internet. Gunn has in my opinion served his penance and we are talking about the words (not actions) of a man from nearly a decade ago! If the world is able to allow someone to become a world leader after making comments about grabbing women inappropriately or even letting the MCU’s very own Robert Downey Jr. make a comeback after some very dark days, how is this really any different?

Before I finish this, I want to bring forward just one more person…Frankie Boyle! Frankie is a comedian who has possibly created the most disgusting excuses for jokes I have ever seen or heard in my life. Boyle has made jokes about The Queen, Rebecca Adlington, Katie Price’s son Harvey and even mocked those with Down’s Syndrome after performing a supposed 5-minute skit. But, the so-called comic has been allowed to continue with not only his routine, but still regularly features in his own headline TV shows after repeated offences on those who do not deserve the horrid missiles from this awful excuse of a human being.

Again, I do not accept James Gunn’s comments as the norm and am sickened with the idea that this guy who brought together two fantastic MCU films would have made these words for all to see. I would only say that for so many people who seem to continue to sicken the public with comments and actions are allowed to stay relevant but one man who made a mistake years ago and apologised for it back then has now suffered!

To all the fans of Disney, Marvel, Guardians Of The Galaxy and of Gunn himself, I would ask not to let this incident ruin what you have enjoyed of his work. I admit I can not see the Director/Writer in the same way as I did before this came up, but I do think the work he has done shouldn’t be tainted by what has been revealed. People will always look to hurt someone for one reason or another, and surprise surprise we all make mistakes that will probably bite us in the arse one day!

In the words of The Five Stairsteps…”O-o-h Child, things are gonna get easier. O-o-h Child, things will get brighter!”

Written by a rather disappointed Jonjo Cosgrove

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 – First Trailer Review

Well this looks awesome! The first trailer for Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 just hit the internet today and it indeed looks fantastic. There was so much in the trailer and 90 seconds really was not enough! Though the actual story itself isn’t delved into (that would be more for the 2^nd trailer), we do get a few good teases of the returning characters and the humour which made us love them in the first place. Here is the trailer, and then I will break down some of the big points…

Hooked On A Feeling – Again!

It is almost impossible to not hear the Blue Swede song and not think of that first Guardians Of The Galaxy movie. The song perfectly creeps in through the trailer as we are reacquainted with our favourite space outlaws. We get quick glimpses of the characters in the trailer, bringing us the team that saved the universe in 2014’s hit film…and they are not alone.

Yondu joins the Guardians…and Nebula?

Yes, that is happening. We have heard that these two would be joining the Guardians in their next adventure, and it certainly does look exciting. A great shot of Michael Rooker’s Yondu (looking as badass as ever!) and Rocket walking past a number of falling enemies (the ravagers?) is definitely a stand out. Then we also get that quick shot of Karen Gillen as Nebula, who is looking a bit different to her previous portrayal. That is a flesh tone on her nose and chin isn’t it? Either way, to see these two switching sides to the good guys means they must need some help!

Star-Lord, Gamora and Drax are ready

The main focus on this trailer is with the three human/humanoid leads which gives you some insight to how they have changed in the last few years. Gamora still seems to be fighting strong and will possibly be having a few moments when her adopted sister joins the team. Then it looks like Peter Quill/Star-Lord is starting to have feelings for his companion Gamora (and we know he will be having some moments with his father Ego at some point in the movie. Then we have Dave Bautista’s Drax, who seems to have become more human but still adds a sense of humorous awkwardness to his character. Damn, we have waited so long to see these guys back on screen.

Drax is the heart of the movie?

“You just need to find a woman who is pathetic…like you”. While Drax may still lack basic understanding like his fellow Guardians, it is funny to see him try to get in touch with his human side. His insistence on hugging Star-Lord and his comments are from a good place, it’s just a shame that Peter Quill doesn’t feel the same way. Something tells me that Drax will be the person we all go to for sense and heart in this movie…I know, I didn’t believe it either till I saw the trailer.

Groot is still tiny

Remember when they took that piece of Groot and he was reborn? Well, he is still growing up. Groot, arguably one of the most surprisingly popular characters in the MCU, was a very welcome addition to the trailer and I can’t wait to see how he will impact on the story. It has been said Vol. 2 picks up around a few months after the original movie, so maybe he does just need some more time to grow. Also, how adorable does Groot look in that little jacket? I think I know what a must-have toy of 2017 is going to be!

Any Avengers: Infinity Wars hints?

Well at this moment, there seems to be no connection between this film and the 2018 crossover movie which will see the heroes of the MCU finally come face to face with Thanos. While there isn’t any actual mention of the mad titan or any characters away from the usual Guardians Of The Galaxy cast, does that forest maybe look a little like earth? It is a long shot, but who knows! This may be the team coming to earth to help the Avengers? This film looks incredible and I can’t believe I still have to wait over half a year to watch it. I really hope this goes quick…otherwise I may need a hug from Drax!

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol.2 is out in the UK on 28^th April 2017 and in the US on 5^th May 2017.

Written by Jonjo Cosgrove

What songs should be in Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2?

I have to say that Guardians Of The Galaxy is still one of the best films I have ever seen in my life. This movie had brilliant characters, the best writing, look amazing and had the most appealing soundtrack I have ever heard. True, all the songs are from the 1970’s and had been out previously, but that didn’t stop them from fitting in perfectly to the film. So I have been thinking, that first album was so awesome…but what will Volume 2 be like? I have got 15 songs on this list which I really hope will be part of the upcoming MCU feature and why they would work. How about some Queen? Maybe a dip into the 80’s? Let me know what you would choose (this is just my personal opinion, but I hope you like the choices)…

Blondie – Heart Of Glass

We know that Peter Quill’s fellow guardians are fans of the music. So how about a scene in which Gamora is dancing along to this 70’s hit? Blondie is perfect mixtape material. The band has got so many tracks which would work well in the Marvel sequel, but ultimately this one would just really set a great tone for the film!

Queen – Radio Ga Ga

I know for a fact this would already break the barrier from Awesome Mix Vol. 1, but as Peter’s mum gave him the second tape in 1988, there is a good chance to have one of Queen’s mightiest anthems. There is a lot of songs to choose from, but I am sure a great montage could be formed using this classic tune.

Pretenders – Brass In Pocket

Yet again I can just imagine this classic being a good song for the cast to be dancing around to. Maybe if a love scene between Star-Lord and Gamora was to come. Romantic? Maybe not. But there is something about this song and the belief from many listeners that this relates to intercourse just sounds like it could fit in.

Kate Bush – Wuthering Heights

There is something about this song which just screams comedy gold to me. I don’t know how exactly it could fit in, but there is just something about this Number one track from Kate Bush which would surely benefit from Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord trying to sing along to it.

The Who – Behind Blue Eyes

There needs to be one or two emotional songs in any soundtrack. I am sure meeting his father would be a very emotional time. How about taking one of the more gripping tracks from their back catalogue and placing it front and centre when he finally meets Ego?

Elton John – Ego

Speaking of Ego, how about the Elton John track of the same name? I will be honest, there isn’t much that can be done with this track. But you never know. It could be a fun track to chuck in there somewhere, otherwise ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ could also be a great addition.

Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You

So I said there had to be some emotional tracks in the film. While I was thinking of the 80’s for inspiration, I just think this would be another great track for the relationship of Star-Lord and Gamora. We will see if it does happen.

A-Ha – Take On Me

Could this be the tune to a fight scene? It would certainly work well for a chase scene in the movie! Again, I know nothing of what is to come apart from what has been officially released, but I know this song would fit in perfectly. Blending the 70’s and 80’s music would certainly be highlighted with some A-Ha.

Madness – Our House

The one thing we get from the Guardians is that they are very much a family. They also are living together on the Milano and I reckon they must have a family feel to them when we see Vol. 2. ‘Our House’ is fantastic and would be great for the start of the film.

Thin Lizzy – Jailbreak

Will we get another sequence like the escape from The Kyln? If so, why not give a spin of the famous Thin Lizzy track which I think would have been perfect for that scene in the first movie. A great rock tune and another fine addition of the playlist.

Bee Gees – Stayin Alive

Why not include some disco in the mix? Bee Gees and Chris Pratt sounds like a match made in heaven, but imagine Bautista’s Drax getting into the groove? Baby Groot could be in the background with Gamora and Rocket singing along? Please make it happen.

Abba – Mamma Mia

What would be wrong with Abba? Nothing!

Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth

I am sure something will encourage Star-Lord to return to earth, and I think it would be this song that would make him want to return. It is just a great song which does great as a pop tune and a more serious track overall!

AC/DC – Highway To Hell

Every film needs to have a kick arse song to end it…and I think this would be great. It is presumed that the movie will be a lead in to Avengers: Infinity Wars, which needs something big to bridge that gap. If you are about to take on the most dangerous being in existence, there has to be something that really sets that tone. The classic rock track is indeed perfect to close the film!

David Bowie – Space Oddity

Yes, there was a Bowie track on the first film, but would it hurt to have another? David Bowie sadly left us earlier this year and it is a shame he never got to become part of this brilliant film world. But how great would it be to have ‘Space Oddity’ play in this film? I think it would be perfect for the film and I reckon James Gunn must have considered it at some point! Please please please have this as part of Awesome Mix Vol. 2!

Written by Jonjo Cosgrove

Marvel at Comic-Con

Every year we always get a good scoop on what is coming from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This year, we got so much information that it may be a bit hard to digest it all. So, let’s have a look at each film and see what has so far been unveiled to us mere mortals.

Doctor Strange

After many years in production, Steven Strange will finally be making his debut into the MCU. Some may have caught his little mention in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but now we will get full-blown Strange! With the film just months away, we got a few more peaks into the movie. Scott Derrickson (Sinister, The Day The Earth Stood Still) directs the much anticipated adaptation starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Tilda Swinton. The main thing we got at Comic-Con for the film was this superb new trailer…

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

With the much anticipated sequel coming out in the first half of next year, the Guardians will be returning in full force! Many new additions will be making their way to the MCU such as Pom Klementieff as Mantis and Kurt Russell as Ego The Living Planet (yes, you heard that right!) also being revealed as the father to Star-Lord. Some clips were also shown at Comic-Con but unfortunately have not been made public, though a trailer shouldn’t be too far away! For now, enjoy this little image from James Gunn and co.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Ok, so Spider-Man has only just begun filming. But we do finally get confirmation on one of the biggest questions we have had, who is the villain? It is with great pleasure to say that the much speculated Vulture has indeed been confirmed. Michael Keaton will be bringing the iconic villain to life in the 2017 film, and we can’t wait to see the final result. Luckily, we won’t be getting him in the Birdman-style outfit, but a more up-to-date look. Some concept art definitely has got us excited, but a trailer will be good!

Thor: Ragnarok

So does anyone actually remember this is supposed to be a Thor movie? Most of the hype and information coming from this movie was in regards to the Hulk. It has been very much confirmed that the movie will take inspiration from the famous Planet Hulk storyline, with footage at Comic-Con and some props on display building the anticipation. I know we have a long time till this film comes out, but can we see some Thor and Hulk footage soon please?

Black Panther

As the film has not yet begun filming, there is very little to talk about in terms of the content. But, we have got some much needed clarity on the cast. Obviously we have Chadwick Boseman back as T’Challa and the previously cast Michael B. Jordan has been confirmed to play antagonist Killmonger. Also joining them and Lupita Nyong’o is the fantastic Danai Gurira (Michonne in The Walking Dead) which just builds the hype. Now, let’s get this film made!

Captain Marvel

OK, so we really don’t have a lot more information on the film itself or the content that will come in the 2019 release, but we know now who will play Carol Danvers! Bree Larson is to take on the super-heroine in this movie and in the MCU. With Captain Marvel we have a character who is not only a great leader, but one of the most powerful characters to ever grace Marvel comics. We have some time till Bree takes on the role on the screen, but I am very excited for this! Well done Marvel!

Written by Jonjo Cosgrove

Ranking the Marvel Cinematic Universe

With Captain America: Civil War just a couple of months away, the start of Phase Three will see some huge changes come to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With favourites such as Captain Marvel, Black Panther and Spider-Man about to debut in the world, there is plenty of excitement growing for the upcoming movies. But, we should not forget the past. The 12 films in the series so far have proved just how far the series has come. With a great majority of films doing a splendid job, tight casting and some of the most memorable scenes in cinema through the 21^st century. The MCU is definitely going to leave a huge mark on cinema history forever. Let’s see how the films so far rank from worst to best…

12. Iron Man 2

Maybe the obvious choice, but it had to be. First off, we get Mickey Rourke after he wowed in The Wrestler and Sin City being given very little in terms of character development and being made to look too much like a slimmed down Iron Monger suit. We finally get Samuel L Jackson making his first full appearance as Nick Fury, but where exactly does he go for a majority of the film? Then we had Terrance Howard being replaced (though I did grow to like Don Cheadle a lot more from Iron Man 3 onwards). Though not a bad movie on its own, it is certainly misguided.

11. Thor: The Dark World

Now, in my defence I think this film is very funny and the chemistry between the cast was great. It definitely gave us a better look at Asgard and was the first MCU film to really feature alien planets prominently. Though, the lack of menace from Christopher Eccleston’s Malekith and the story was almost non-existant. It did seem the film was just throwing ideas at a wall, hoping something would stick. Though seeing Stellan Skarsgard running around in the nude at Stonehenge is definitely something fun and unexpected, it couldn’t save the film.

10. The Incredible Hulk

Don’t make Edward Norton angry…oh, they did! Clearly a huge improvement on the unrelated 2003 ‘Hulk’ by Ang Lee, this film still had a lot to prove. Luckily, the biggest improvement was the actors who stepped up. While Edward Norton may not be the favourite Hulk anymore, he certainly made a good attempt at being Dr Bruce Banner. With Liv Tyler being the heart, Tim Roth proving to be a top villain and William Hurt giving us the true General Ross, what could go wrong? Well not much, but from this film we could see it seemed almost unrelated to the MCU, save for that little post-credit scene which I still believe is a flash-forward to ‘Captain America: Civil War’.

9. Iron Man 3

After The Avengers did the best job possible for superhero movies, it was then left to Robert Downey Jr. and his friends since 2008 to somehow continue after this peak. While it was not as good as the 2012 team-up, it certainly did keep the entertainment levels up. Breaking the previous formula slightly from the first two films, we see Tony Stark go against someone with powers. The extremis-powered Killian was certainly a good match for strength and proved to be a greater danger and a better villain than some that came before.

8. Thor

We get to meet Thor, God of Thunder and our first true “alien” for the Avengers. But also, we get to meet Loki. Possibly the best villain the MCU has shown, Loki really gets to have fun and he really gets to show his descent into evil with emotional consequences. The fight between the “brothers” is certainly a highlight for the MCU and to see the legendary Sir Anthony Hopkins take the part of Odin was too great to be true. The film may not be perfect, but it is a fun piece and will be regarded as taking a huge step in the development of the MCU.

7. Avengers: Age Of Ultron

Bringing Earth’s Mightiest Heroes together for the second time was no easy task, and the ripples of it still resonate nearly a year later. Joss Whedon had previously done so much for the MCU from taking on The Avengers and giving his touch to phase 2 overall. Though Whedon has said about his struggles with the movie, he certainly did give 110% and maybe put in a bit too much into the runtime of the movie. Setting up many elements for phase three, bombarding many characters into the film and not giving them the necessary breathing space, it was a huge task. Though the film is great, I am sure we could have had a few changes. Ultron was great though!

6. Ant-Man

Funny name? Think it’s a gimmick? Well, it isn’t. Many didn’t know that Ant-Man actually came to comics before many of the Avengers you may know, and it was a worthy wait to see him finally come into the MCU. Bringing a huge amount of humour and truly creating a different character for the screen, it was indeed a lot of fun to finally explore the world from a different perspective. Plus, how many comic actors can really make a character who is a thief become a popular film hero? Paul Rudd really made this character his own, and I am sure Civil War will see him shine again!

5. Captain America: The First Avenger

We had Iron Man, we had Hulk and we also just had Thor. To complete The Avengers, we needed the super soldier from the 1940’s. Going back in time, we get a few ties to the other avengers in regards to the serum which would later be adapted and create the Hulk, or even Howard Stark meeting Cap before his son would by 70 years. Also, we get to see a character that possibly is the most vulnerable of all the heroes we had seen so far. Plus, the iconic Red Skull is well achieved by Hugo Weaving, and we need Red Skull back! Plus we got Peggy Carter, and she is awesome!

4. Iron Man

Iron Man kicked off the MCU, and he made the Marvel world cool again. The bad taste of Spider-Man 3, X-Men: The Last Stand and Fantastic Four made the mid-2000’s a bit dull for comic adaptations. Iron Man though, proved you could be fun and serious. Robert Downey Jr. made himself the coolest guy in Hollywood by taking this B-list Marvel character and making him challenge and better many heroes that came before. Also, it showed that big stars wanted to be in superhero movies, a trend which still continues today.

3. The Avengers

The results of years of work paid off in a huge way. The highest-earning superhero movie of all time, and for a great reason, and some of the greatest fun I have ever had at the cinema. Seeing the return of Loki, we saw the god come to earth to claim it as his own. The Avengers then assemble and bring everyone on their A-game to make a brilliant work of art. Also, who knew that a superhero movie could be that funny, and the biggest laughs coming from the Hulk of all characters? Definitely a spectacle in cinema.

2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

The film which many people apparently dreaded (many people felt mixed on Cap, and few were originally interested in his next solo outing). Coming out in the UK in MARCH! Yes, that is MARCH. It seemed too early of a date to become a blockbuster, but we was wrong. Captain America came back on fighting form and within minutes, proved himself to be one of the most popular characters in cinema today. Chris Evans took the superhero to new heights and brought in “The Dark Knight” of the MCU. It was gritty, intelligent, tough, fun and had heart throughout. The reveal of Bucky may have been obvious from day one, but nobody cares when you leave that film thinking “Captain America is F***ING AWESOME!”. He may not fly, have weapons coming out of his arms or can turn green, but he certainly knew how to fight his critics.

1. Guardians Of The Galaxy

Where do we begin? This film was almost doomed from the start. An unknown group of heroes, a director known more from Slither and the live-action Scooby Doo films (Yep, he wrote them. No joke!) and how about the idea of a sentient tree and talking raccoon being friends? Well, you was wrong! This film was just incredible. It was a hug punch of adrenaline into the mainstream and showed that risks should still be taken in Hollywood. The film was just a delight for the eyes, the music from the 1970’s was a perfect complement to the visual treat and the acting was second to none! James Gunn is currently making the sequel, due to be released next year. If it is half as good as this movie, I will be very happy indeed.

Written by Jonjo Cosgrove