New "Transformers" gets enough right

A quick disclaimer, I really liked the first Transformers despite its obvious flaws, and even though Revenge of the Fallen was a major disappointment, I was still looking forward to seeing the third film, Dark of the Moon. Well, I've seen it now, and I was not disappointed. Even after lowering my expectations considerably, I still found this comparable to the first film. From what I've seen around the internet, people seem fairly split over this film, and I've found that I agree with the points other reviewers are making, even if I don't agree with their final assessment. There are things is this movie that work, some things that almost work, and some things that don't. As far as I can tell, the reaction the film depends on whether or not you find the good outweighs the bad. For me it does, and Dark of the Moon comes in as my #4 for the year.

I'll break down the pros and cons after the break, and there will be spoilers, so consider yourself warned.

Second "Captain America" trailer

The second trailer shows off the characters more, especially Hayley Atwell's Peggy Carter, and a better look at Red Skull. I'm trying not to let my expectation get too high, but this movie is starting to look good. Here's hoping that Captain America can use its inherent patriotism to produce bigger numbers than the other superhero movies of this summer. Oh, and here's a new poster, and though it lacks the shear awesome of this one, it shows a better look at Chris Evans than the original one-sheet.

It's the new Bilbo Baggins

This morning, EW released the first official photos from the set of The Hobbit showing off the first look at Martin Freeman as Bilbo and the familiar Ian McKellen as Gandalf. (Entertainment Weekly via /Film and TheOneRing.net)

Also, Peter Jackson announced over Facebook that Luke Evans (Clash of the Titans, the upcoming Three Musketeers) will be playing Bard the Bowman, while Benedict Cumberbatch will voice Smaug the Dragon and Evangeline Lilly from Lost will be playing a new elf named Tauriel.

Father's Day

In celebration of Father's Day, let me remind you all of the cinema's most classic Father-Son moment. Also, let me take this opportunity to point out one of the most misquoted lines of all time. The correct quote is "No, I am your father," usually misquoted as "Luke, I am your father." Anyway, Happy Father's Day, and do try not to maim your children.

Awesome Posters

You know what's awesome? This promo poster for The Avengers. It's the first full look at Jeremy Renner's Hawkeye and Mark Ruffalo's Hulk, plus it looks like a new suit for Iron Man and Captain America. Of course this is probably still conceptual, so the final look will be slightly different, but it's great to see the team assembled. [From ComicBookMovie via io9]

Also, there's this great retro poster for Captain America, featuring the classic Cap punching out Hitler image. Sadly, only 100 of these were made for the cast and crew, but I'm holding out hope a version will be available, since it would go great with my "Hope and Change" Iron Man poster. [This one via /Film]

For some reason, I've always loved illustrated posters, they remind me of the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies. Plus, how can the retro Captain America poster be anything but awesome. Heck, it's almost comparable to this work of art.

Another week of links

Here's a collection of links including a new superfood, an exciting new educational opportunity, posters from the next Harry Potter, an TV spot for Captain America, and the other reason I need a Blu-ray player. Oh, yeah, and a hoverboard will soon be mine.

Newest X-Men is "First Class"

It wouldn't be accurate for me to say X-Men: First Class came out of the blue. I've been a fan of the X-Men franchise and liked The Last Stand and Wolverine far more than either film deserved. So while I was expecting I'd like First Class, my hopes weren't remotely high until the first trailer catapulted up my list of anticipated films.

However, after seeing it yesterday, I have to say that First Class not only comes in far ahead of Wolverine and The Last Stand and honestly I think it's the best stand-alone film of the series (X2 depends on set-up from the the first film). Recasting Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Ian McKellen's Magneto with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender pays off for this prequel/reboot (FOX execs are saying "reinvention" so they don't have to commit to anything). Both actors have big shoes (or wheels) to fill, and turn brilliant performances and really owning the characters, as does Jennifer Lawrence, stepping into... well, nothing actually... to replace Rebecca Romijn as Mystique.

Anyway, X-Men: First Class is the first film this year to actually beat my expectations. I didn't think I'd like it more than Thor (and hindsight could change my mind), but right now, First Class is my first for the year. Of course, it's not a totally perfect movie, and a few spoilers will follow.

Reading recap: May (and April)

Time for another recap of the books I've been reading. I recently realized that I didn't do one of these for April, then remembered that was because I only read a couple things, so I've just included them here. I'll point out I had fairly narrow taste in my personal reading this month, most comic books and epic fantasy. Actually, I Twitter-spoiled the biggest entry in this list, it being a highly-anticipated mail delivery. After my discovery of the comic world when I read The Ultimates in March, I've dived in headfirst and I have to say I'm loving it. So here it is, a comprehensive list of everything I've read for fun over the last two months.