CanGeek's Fandom Friday!

Everyone remembers their first...

For me I was six years old, it was a cold winter day, we were snowed in so my Mom and Dad slept late that morning. I had woke up at my normal time, half expecting to be rushed off to school but when that didn't happen I turned on the television to watch the very first movie to air on Canada's new home movie network - First Choice!

And as I watched the adventure unfold in front of me, the heroic sacrifice a mentor was prepared to make for his student, the epic fight between good and evil, a new hope was born within me and my life long love of Star Wars was born.

As I type out this blog It's Friday June 1st, and on the CanGeek Community Page we're inviting our members to post about their personal favorite fandom, and from gaming to comics and movies I have a lot to talk about....but I suspect I will be posting about Star Wars more then anything else today.

If you've read some of my other blogs then you know I can be more then a little outspoken about the current state of a galaxy far, far away, I'm not a major supporter of what Disney has done to the Star Wars universe, however I'm grateful that this franchise still has some life left in it and we still have much to discuss.

Like many others fans, those who support the Star Wars franchise are both fiercely loyal and aggressively protective of this fandom. Like me there are many out their who find comfort in this series because it invokes memories of simpler times, memories of their childhood.

We aren't born as fans, we develop our fandom as we grow.

Everyone remembers their first game, their first film or television show, the first comic book that made them an instant fan of a specific superhero or publisher, that's what we're talking about today.

Please consider this an open invitation to join the CanGeek Games and Collectibles Fandom Friday on Facebook and share the passion you have for your fandom of choice with us.

Thanks for reading.

Let the games begin!

This question was recently posed to me by a friend:

"If you are running an online games store, why do you blog so much about television and film?"

The answer to that question was simple, I view CanGeek.com as more than an online games store, I like to think of us as a pop-culture resource with a variety of products including games and collectibles - in short we try to have a little something for everyone. And since my personal love of both board games and video games began with my love of television and film, it somehow seems right to blog about that which I love.

With that in mind.... we're half way through the month of May, and with the Summer Blockbusters just beginning to roll into local theaters, there are going to be a multitude of games released which will allow fans to continue their journey alongside their favorite heroes.

Here are some of my picks for games to try over the next few months.

1. Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War

Personally there is no doubt in my mind that Avengers: Infinity War will be the biggest release of the year, and with everyone feeling the need to talk about the events of this incredable film, I'd advise you to see it soon.

To coincide with the release of Infinity War, game publisher USAopoly has released Thanos Rising: Avengers Infinity War. This cooperative dice and card game challenges a group of 2 to 4 Players to recruit a team of heroes in an attempt to face off against the Mad Titan and prevent him from collecting all six Infinity Stones and wreaking havoc on the fabric of reality.

Are you up to the task? 

2. DEADPOOL VS The World

The Merc with the Mouth is coming back to theaters as Ryan Reynolds suits up for the release of Deadpool 2. As Wade Wilson kicks ass, takes names, and continues to break the fourth wall with jaw-dropping dialogue, we're also preparing for the release of Deadpool VS The World.

This adult party game which has been compared to Card Against Humanity will feature 100 custom illustrations of Deadpool in some very strange and unsightly situations. Players are tasked with then filling in the blanks on caption cards to produce the most outrageous explanations of why the Merc with a Mouth has found himself in his current position.

The player with the best, most jaw-dropping explanations wins! 

3. MONOPOLY: Deadpool

Love Deadpool but looking for a more "Family Friendly" game to play?  Not only is the Merc with a Mouth conquering the world, he's also conquering the world of MONOPOLY!

While playing MONOPOLY: Deadpool players build their own team of Mercs for Money as they purchase the contracts of the world's best-mercenaries. Some are Deadpool's allies, some are Deadpool from alternate universes, and one is just Deadpool in a maids outfit.

Players pay when they land on Mercs purchased by opponents, buy vehicles like a chimichanga truck, and steal friends' stuff with the Cheap Shot and Low Blow spaces.

Will you be the Last Merc Standing?

4. MONOPOLY: Han Solo

Continuing with their plans to release a Star Wars themed film every year for the foreseeable future, Disney and Lucasfilm are set to release SOLO: A Star Wars Story on May 25th.  

Alongside the release of the film, fans of the MONOPOLY board game will see the release of MONOPOLY: Han Solo.  This edition invites players to enter a world of smugglers and adventure as they journey from the battlefield to the spice mines and attempt to make the Kessel Run!  Players are encouraged to buy as many Star Wars locations, Vehicles, and Power Sources as they can while taking risks with the smuggler and scoundrel cards.

As with other versions of the game, the last player with Imperial Credits wins!

5. MONOPOLY JR: The Incredibles 2

It's been fourteen years since the release of The Incredables, now some of the children who grew up watching this Pixar classic have children of their own - which is why it's a GREAT time to take them on a SUPER adventure! Players of MONOPOLY JR: The Incredables 2 are invited to suit up as one of the four members of the Parr family as they visit and explore locations inspired by the new Disney/Pixar film. 

In this easy and fast-playing game the hero who earns the most money saves the day!

These games, as well as many others, are available for purchase from our online store at cangeek.com. 

Why do I blog so much about television and film? Because in my opinion that is in some way where almost every great gaming adventure begins.  

As always, thanks for reading.

The Hollywood Reboot.

Has Hollywood trained us to look back as opposed to looking forward?

If you happen to be a member of the CanGeek Community Page on Facebook then you know we've talked a lot about Hollywood reboots, more specifically films that we'd like to see given the reboot treatment.

However over the past few days, as I've been re-watching classic films including HIGHLANDER and Tim Burton's BATMAN, I've found myself wondering if, due to the lack of creativity within their writing community, Hollywood has somehow trained consumers to welcome reboots as opposed to expecting fresh material.

From TOTAL RECALL and Stephen King's IT, to The FANTASTIC FOUR and TOMB RAIDER, there just seems to be no end to what Hollywood will remake, and with films like Hellboy and The Crow getting the reboot treatment there seems to be no end in sight either.

Now don't get me wrong here, I'm not opposed to reboots if they make sense, but there is no confusing the fact that some of these films are being remade due to a lack of inspiration and a need to grow a movie studios bank account.

However what's more offensive then a reboot is a sequel to a film that hasn't seen a franchise release in more then twenty years, films like Blade Runner 2049 and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull immediately come to mind.

What's next, a re-release of Batteries Not Included? 

It's just my opinion but as much as directors including Ridley Scott have been critical of the Superhero film genre in the past year, Marvel Studios seems to be one of the few Hollywood film companies offering up semi-original content that is keeping the movie-going public entertained.

The success of Marvels Black Panther earlier this year is, at least in part, proof of that...after-all keeping the public entertained is their job.

So with very few films beyond the Superhero genre on my radar this year, I'll be in line next Saturday, ready to throw away my movie-going money, for the release of Avengers: Infinity War. As for Hollywood and their need to revisit the past, if they want to continue to earn my money then they need to step forward into the future.

Thanks for reading.

Suffering loss to continue the story.

Apparently all you have to do to get kicked out of some Facebook groups is point out that, all be it unfortunate, loss is a natural part of life....... And lets be honest here, that's where most superhero themed stories begin, with loss.

Earlier today I weighed in on a conversation in one such group, someone had pointed out that many Marvel fans were upset over the possibility that Robert Downey Jr. might depart the Marvel Cinematic universe as part of the Infinity War story arc.

Many people weighed in with some interesting responses ranging from I don't care if he dies to I'll never watch another Marvel film if he dies, a multitude of opinions regarding the possible departure of the actor in question.

Needing to have my voice heard I pointed out that no-one can question Downey Jr's contribution to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his character being the corner stone of said universe. With his first outing as billionaire Tony Stark in the 2008 release of Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr got the ball rolling, and has appeared in a total of eight Marvel films to date - truly a fan favorite. 

I then went on to point out that like any good story, sooner or later the tale of Tony Stark will have to come to an end, after all endings create new beginnings - that it the natural order of life.

Finally I stated that not only do I expect to see the death of Tony Stark in Infinity war, I also expect to see the departure of Steve Rogers in infinity war - Chris Evans has made it abundantly clear that he has had enough of portraying Captain America.

Fifteen minutes later I could no longer access that particular Facebook group, I guess the truth hurts.

The reality is, at least in my opinion, that in the real world heroes sadly die in the service of others. From emergency service workers to members of the military, being a hero is a dangerous profession at the best of times - but the world desperately needs its heroes!

Within the world of comics the same is true, heroes suffer personal loss and many pay the ultimate price in the service of others.... But through that loss new story-arcs are created which help to keep the universe fresh for fans both old and new.

As the Marvel Cinematic universe introduces new characters such as Black Panther, or begins to develop the story of characters like Bucky Barns it only makes sense that older characters will slowly be written out - again the natural order of things.

But that's just my opinion.

Let me know what your thoughts are on the possible exit of Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. from the Marvel Cinematic Universe by leaving a comment below OR by joining the conversation on our Facebook Community Page.

Thanks for reading and remember to follow us at cangeek.com 

Black Panther Smashes Box Office Record!

The Panther is the true king of the jungle!

With an estimated global revenue of $361 million dollars in it's first weekend, Marvels Black Panther has established itself as the true king of the jungle! 

The Marvel powerhouse which was directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong'o dethroned the former champion, 2016's Deadpool, which now graces the film with the largest February opening weekend in cinematic history.

The film is also expected to have the fifth highest grossing opening weekend of all time, joining films including Jurassic World, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and 2012's The Avengers.  On the subject of The Avengers, Black Panther also holds the distinction of being the second highest grossing Marvel debut of all time, just behind the 2012 release of The Avengers.

This is the first Marvel property to be directed by an African-American Director and to feature a cast primarily comprised of African-American performers, proving once again that film goers are seeking diversity in their entertainment.

Did you have the good fortune to travel to Wakanda this weekend?  If so join us on our Facebook Community page and let us know what you thought of this record breaking film.

Keeping It In Focus Part One - 12 MUST SEE films in 2018!

As I begin to type this blog we're just under 2 hours into 2018 and while others are finishing that last drink or preparing to negotiate the hangover they'll wake up with in the morning, I'm already focused on what a great cinematic year I expect it to be.

With some true Hollywood blockbusters on the horizon, I wanted to share twelve films that I just can't wait for this year.

1. Black Panther:

While I have heard some say that Marvels decision to bring Black Panther to the big screen was politically or racially motivated, I for one say this character was long overdue for his feature film debut! 

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, in which T'Challa witnessed the death of his father, T'Challa has now assumed the role of both the ruler of the advanced nation of Wakanda and that of The Black Panther - the protector of his nations people.

T'Challa must now do battle with those who would threaten his nation, both from outside his borders and withing.  

Black Panther releases on February 16th, and if you haven't seen the trailer yet then check it out!t

2. Ready Player One: 

Based on the novel by Ernest Cline and directed by Oscar winner Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One promises to be a fantastic treasure hunt ripe with music and pop culture references from the 1980's!

When the creator of a virtual reality world known as the OASIS dies, a video is release which challenges all of OASIS users to find a hidden Easter Egg. With the understanding that whoever finds the egg will inherit a vast fortune, Wade Watts joins countless other players in a race to gain the ultimate price.

Ready Player One releases on March 30th, and if you haven't seen the trailer yet than what are you waiting for?

3. RAMPAGE!

It's no secret that movies based on video games are cursed, that is to say that they usually turn out to be slightly on the awful side.  

However having said that, when a movie is released based on one of my favorite games I'll still find myself lining up at the theater box office to throw my money away.

Such will be the case with RAMPAGE!

I can remember many a day spent pumping quarters into the local arcade machine as me and my childhood friends sought to level virtual cities with our monstrous avatars, and that is why I will go out and see this film.

The trailer for this film more or less says it all, animals infected with some sort of growth serum will turn violent on unsuspecting cities, more then likely seeking revenge for the wrong doings of mankind.

This will be a disaster film, the only question is will it be a disaster on the big screen or a disaster at the box office?  Will find out when RAMPAGE releases on April 20th.

4. Avengers: Infinity War

Lets be honest here - before Marvel brought us Iron Man in 2008 superhero movies just weren't that good.  Now that isn't to say that there weren't some decent superhero films, more to say that these films just can't compare to what Marvel has done thus far.

Marvel Studios has done a fantastic job of developing both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and creating stories that have kept audiences coming back for more with each new film.

The next film in the Marvel saga, after Black Panther, will be the highly anticipated Avengers: Infinity War Part One.  In this film, which will begin to close out phase four of Marvels story arc, we will see allies both old and new unite against the mad titan Thanos who is intent on bringing an end to the universe.

The trailer leaves you with the since that this movie will in fact represent a real shift in the MCU once the phase four story has come to an end, and we won't have long to wait before we find out with Avengers: Infinity War Part One releasing on May the 4th!

5. SOLO: A Star Wars Story

I'm actually not sure how I feel about this movie yet, not after seeing The Last Jedi, Yes I'm one of THOSE people who didn't enjoy The Last Jedi.  I honestly believe that Disney purchased the intellectual property that is Star Wars for the money they knew they'd make in market saturation, but now that they have it they don't know what to do with it. 

Having said that as Jyn Erso pointed out "Rebellions are built on hope" so I HOPE that SOLO: A Star Wars story won't be the let down that both The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi have been.

However as a fan there is reason to be concerned.

From Lucasfilms decision to trade in directors from the team of Phil Lord and Chris Miller to Ron Howard (which isn't a bad thing) to recent rumors that the Mouse House is advising its shareholders that they expect this film to bomb at the box office, one has to wonder why Disney doesn't delay this films May 25th release date until they are absolutely confident in releasing a finished and finely polished piece of work.  After all Disney, this film might be set in a galaxy far, far away but Star Wars fans much closer to home are watching to see what happens next......

6. Deadpool 2:

It's hard to believe that there was ever a time when the success of an "R" rated superhero film was in question - they were dark times indeed!

Fortunately a savior who personified the very hero he longed to play came along and opened the foolish eyes of studio executives - the Deadpool movie was finally going to happen!

Thank You Ryan Reynolds! 

Following up on the unquestionable success of Fox's 2016 hit, Deadpool is back with all the supporting faces who helped to make his first film so much fun to watch!  Adding to the hype of the new film is Josh Brolins casting as Cable along with some fantastic marketing including the no good deed trailer and the  Wet on Wet teaser.

Although no official story has been released for this film ahead of its June 1st release date, Deadpool 2 promises to be one of the biggest hits of the 2018 summer movie season.

Who said "R" rated superhero films wouldn't be acceptable to the moving going public?

Check back soon for for Keeping It In Focus Part Two, until then thanks for reading and remember to follow us at cangeek.com.

Ragnarok and Infinity War: What is the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Although this is speculation taken from the leaked Infinity War trailer and an interview with Mark Ruffalo, beware of possible SPOILERS ahead....

One thing I really love about the Marvel Cinematic Universe is, like the threads of a spiderweb, they do a fantastic job of connecting their story-lines together from one film to the next.

With that in mind I can't help but think that there was a reason Disney and Marvel decided NOT to release the teaser trailer for The Avengers: Infinity War Part One, which was recently shown at both D23 and San Diego Comic-Con.

However as I'm sure they expected, multiple cellphones were used and now bootleg recordings are available via YouTube - so long as you can find them BEFORE Google removes them for copyright infringement.

It was widely speculated that this trailer would be released alongside or shortly after Thor: Ragnarak in November, which makes sense given that the Infinity War trailer finds Rocket Raccoon screaming

"Wipers! Wipers! GET IT OFF!"  

When the seemingly lifeless body of The God Of Thunder slams into the Guardians spacecraft in deep space, it's now fair to assume that Thor's time spent on Sakaar doesn't end well for him or his "Friend From Work", The Incredible Hulk.

Further to that point, during an interview at D23 Mark Ruffalo jokingly stated:

"Wait until you see the next one, like every other Marvel movie it doesn't end well for the superheroes, wait till you see this next one, everybody dies"

So now the question becomes was he joking?

We know that at the very least Thor survives, it appears his meeting with the Guardians will play a hand in both his and Peter Quill's eventual return to Earth as the events of Infinity War Part One begin to play out.

But the problem with bootleg copies is they're usually distorted and people's heads are always bobbing up and down, so maybe I missed both The Hulk and Loki, maybe they were in that trailer after all....

As stated at the beginning, this is all speculation until the release of THOR: Ragnarak in November, but it makes you wonder just how much the MCU will change post Ragnarak and Infinity War? 

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 - a CanGeek Movie Review

I should have seen it coming....

After about four weeks of waiting patiently for the heat to die down, I finally ventured out of my cave to see Guardians Of The Galaxy vol. 2 on Saturday night.  Now in truth my wife and I had agreed to take a stab at seeing Wonder Woman but it came as no big surprise that all the shows were sold out by the time we got there.

No matter though because I REALLY wanted to see Guardians, so with popcorn and drink in hand we ventured into the darkness.   

In truth I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, I'd enjoyed the first film but had heard a lot of negative feedback from people about this second installment. Even the guy selling us the movie tickets felt the need to share how bad it was before he smiled and took our money. 

What had I gotten myself into?

A Very Detailed Synopsis ***SPOILERS AHEAD***

An undetermined amount of time has passed since the conclusion of the first movie but these five misfits are working well together - okay as well as can be expected.  They have been hired by an advanced race known as The Sovereign to protect a precious power source of batteries from a creature that is feeding on them.  Upon completion of the job The Sovereign pay for the Guardians services by turning Nebula over to Gamora. Nebula was captured trying to steal the batteries and although this crime is punishable by death, Gamora intends to cash in on the bounty on Nebula's head.

However once the business transaction has been completed the team learns that Rocket Raccoon has also stolen the batteries because The Sovereign are assholes! Offended by this transgression The Sovereign launch a full on arcade style attack on the Guardians but come up empty when a mysterious alien know as Ego intervenes on the teams behalf.

Peter/Star-Lord will learn that Ego, who is played by Kurt Russell, is an eternal being who's life is sustained by the existence of his planet - Ego is The Living Plaint manifested into physical form. It is in this state that Ego paid a visit to Earth and planted his seed within Peters mother Meredith Quill.

So long as the light burns within Ego The Living Planet,, Peter Quill is immortal - maybe.

The Sovereign are still upset over the theft of their batteries and the destruction of their forces, so they turn to Yondu and his ravagers to retrieve their batteries and kill the Guardians.  However before The Sovereign hire Yandu there is an confrontation between Yondu and another ravager captain, Starhawk played by Sylvester Stallone. It is during this exchange that we learn Yondu has been cast out by the ravagers for dealing in the smuggling of children.

Yondu and his crew eventually catch up to Rocket and Baby Groot who have been left to guard Nebula while Peter, Draxx and Gamora are off with Ego who has promised to teach Peter about his heritage. After a short fight, which saw Rocket breaking out lots of cool weapons, the three are ultimately captured and Yondu's crew start calling for blood.

Yondu declares that he is not going to kill the Guardians Of The Galaxy least they have the whole Nova Core out for their heads. When his crew realizes the Guardians are worth more dead then the batteries are on the open market they accuse Yondu of going soft and stage a mutiny.  Soon after Yondu is incapacitated and locked away with Rocket, the crew that were loyal to him are blown out an airlock, Nebula has struck a deal for her freedom, and Groot is used as a plaything by Taser-face the new captain of the mutiny.

Nebula leaves for Ego's planet with one thing on her mind, killing Gamora!  Meanwhile after Rocket tells Yondu that Peter is with Ego, Yondu insists that they have to get out of there,. Together they convince Baby Groot to help them escape and Yondu soaks the ship in the blood of his former crew - Just give a little whistle!

The ship is badly damaged and just before its destruction Rocket, Groot and Yondu escape in a survival pod but not before the would-be-captain of the mutineers contacts The Sovereign with the location of Ego The Living Planet.

Meanwhile Ego has begun to teach Peter about his abilities and the power has gone to his head. After a fight with Gamora which will see her walk out, Ego explains to Quill that there are things of more importance in the universe then the love of a mortal creature.

Gamora is clearing her head in seclusion when Nebula arrives and attempts to kill her. It is at the conclusion of this epic confrontation that both Gamora and Nebula come to terms with their relationship as sisters and find a cavern full of humanoid remains on a plaint devoid of life - something isn't right here! 

They return to Ego's dwelling to find Draxx, Draxx however has already been told of Ego's true intentions by Mantis who Draxx describes as Ego's emphatic pet.

At the same time Ego is explaining to Peter his true intentions, for millions of years he has searched for purpose to justify his existence, a purpose he hoped to find in humanoid form.  However having been unfulfilled, Ego has spent his time populating the galaxy with not only his progeny but with seeds to complete his expansion, soon everything will be Ego!

Having realized that he was incapable of completing his expansion alone, Ego hired Yandu to collect his children in the hopes that one of them would hold the connection required to his planet, to harness the power required to fuel the expansion. However as each offspring was unable to do so he would burn them out and dispose of their remains in the caverns below the surface.

Realizing that he was a power source to Ego, Quill questions Ego's love of his mother and learns that the planet did indeed love Meredith Quill, and understanding the power of that love he placed a tumor in her head so that he would not be swayed from his objectives.

With this information the final battle begins for not only Peter Quill's life but for the universe as a whole. Former enemies will become allies, a battle will be waged on two fronts, Yondu's true fatherly love for Peter will be reviled and a somewhat surprising death will occur as a character is granted his redemption.

The Final Verdict:

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 was unlike the original film, the first movie was much more action oriented with bits of comedy slipped in for an all around decent origin story. This new movie still has the feel of the original film but has incorporated just the right amount of drama to tug at your heartstrings.

Guardians Vol 2 is a film about the love of family, not necessarily the family you are born into but the family you adopt throughout your lifetime and the lengths you will go to for them. It also didn't hurt that James Gunn choose to cast Kurt Russell at Ego, Kurt Russell makes a great villain and we need to somehow see him in more Marvel films!

I should have seen it coming, everyone has a different opinion, but in my opinion Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 2 was well worth the money we spent on Saturday night...... I'm now eagerly awaiting the release of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3! 

Have you seen this movie, if so let us know if you agree or disagree with this review and please remember to follow us at cangeek.com