Four-time Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo plays Tom, a former priest turned FBI agent. He’s heading up a task force trying to put an end to a string of violent robberies. Emmy nominee Tom Pelphrey (Ozark) co-stars as Robbie, a garbage collector who is stealing drug money from a local motorcycle gang. 

The stacked cast includes South African star Thuso Mbedu, BAFTA nominee Emilia Jones (CODA), Jamie McShane (Wednesday, 1923), Alison Oliver (Saltburn) and Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon).  

Creator Brad Ingelsby set Task in the same working-class Philadelphia suburbs as his four-time Emmy winner predecessor, Mare of Easttown. This is home for him: Brad lives in Chester County, while he and his parents grew up in Delaware County, where his extended family still resides, including his four siblings. 

“I like writing characters and stories set in this region of Pennsylvania,” says Brad. “I wasn’t scared to return to a place I’ve come to know so well because it’s the blood in my veins, and I knew there was more material to mine.”

For help in bringing authenticity to the character, Brad turned to Scott A Duffey, a former seminarian turned FBI agent who is a veteran of several violent crime task forces in suburban Philadelphia.

“The sense of duty and family I observed growing up in Delaware County has become a subject I’m very passionate about,” says Ingelsby. “I’m attracted to stories about working-class people that get up every day and maybe aren’t living the lives they dreamed about or aren’t working the jobs they wanted. But they clock in and out of their shift and provide for their families in ways I’ve always found to be heroic.”

“Brad is a master at telling real stories and Task brings humanity even to the people who are supposed to be criminals,” says two-time Emmy nominee Salli Richardson-Whitfield (The Gilded Age, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakes Dynasty). She directed three episodes, including the pivotal sixth episode, with its 17-minute chase sequence through the woods. “You come to care about both groups of people: the side of law enforcement and the sides that are breaking the law.”

New episodes of Task drop on Showmax every Monday, express from the US. 

To this day we can still recall just how blown away we were by part 1, popularly known as Infinity War and how we were counting down to the eventual culmination with the title later confirmed as Endgame. A more than fitting title when you think about it. With a whopping running time of exactly 3 hours and a minute, this one is definitely not for the faint of heart and no doubt it will test your movie watching acumen. But if you have been invested from the start and been literally counting down like us then this should not be a problem. If anything, you definitely know that it will be more than worth it…which then perfectly leads us to our thoughts.

Cast – Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper & Josh Brolin

Directors – Anthony & Joe Russo

Genre – Fantasy/Science fiction film

Running Time – 181 minutes

The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.”

There is no doubt that the Russo brothers who are responsible for putting so many of Marvel’s masterpieces together have outdone themselves with the Avengers trilogy. Their other pieces of work include our other favourite movie trilogy (outside the Avengers series) from the Marvel stable, the Captain America trilogy (The Winter Soldier & Civil War) to be exact. To say we are fans of theirs is putting it very mildly. There was no perfect way to sum it all up than with this.

Infinity War left most of us in limbo and with a lot of confusion…what Endgame does is put everything into perspective and answers several questions we all had. We won’t lie this is one fantastic and epic movie. It will no doubt be everything and more everyone expected it to be, it exceeded even our highest expectations. There’s always hype behind certain things including this movie but it’s more than fitting in this instance.

Endgame is full of emotional moments (keep some tissues close by) and will be quite the rollercoaster ride so best be prepared for that…It’s unlike any superhero movie and there’s no doubt that it is the best superhero movie to have been put together. It brilliantly pays tribute to the previous movies in the trilogy meaning that in order to understand some of its nuances you will have had to have seen the previous movies, and for anyone who hasn’t, well, sorry. It feels like the perfect way to sum it all up, sadly we will say goodbye to certain heroes but it also presents us with a new dawn full of new heroes.

If Infinity War was the flight we were on then Endgame is when we soar and land. It has everything and will no doubt serve as an inspiration to some (us included). We are more than glad to have been invested in the whole Marvel Universe from the start with Endgame feeling like the perfect reward. There’s also nothing more magical than the last two scenes which include the epic last fight…so do stick around until the very end. Marvel has served us well and we look forward to its new chapter. If anything, Endgame is a tribute and the perfect love letter to its loyalists and the original superhero characters. Such is its greatness though that it also presents great entertainment for those who just want to watch a great movie. Very very well played Marvel and that’s why it gets a 9.5 out of 10 rating! EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS ONE.

If you haven’t latched on already, my excitement levels are on the ultimate high. I feel like all my movie watching life has been in preparation and building up to this movie, that’s an honest assessment. Hotly riding on its previous successes including the recent and epic Black Panther movie, Marvel is seemingly delivering the ultimate knock out punch with their latest offering coming in the shape of Infinity War. Word of advice, this is going to be one of my longest reviews as it should considering what it’s based on…so best be prepared.

Cast – Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Josh Brolin & Chris Pratt

Directors – Anthony & Joe Russo

Genre – Fantasy/Science fiction film

Running Time – 2h 40m

The movie Avengers: Infinity War – Part 1 was officially announced in October 2014 with the Russo brothers coming on board to direct it in April 2015. By May, Markus and McFeely signed on to write the script for the flick, which drew inspiration from Jim Starlin’s 1991 “The Infinity Gauntlet” comic and Jonathan Hickman’s 2013 “Infinity” comic. In July 2016, Marvel shortened the title to Avengers: Infinity War. Filming began in January 2017 at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayette County, Georgia, and lasted until July 2017, shooting back-to-back with a direct sequel. Additional filming took place in Scotland, England, the Downtown Atlanta area and New York City.

The Plot

If you’ve been following the trilogy, like most of us, Infinity War picks up two years after the Avengers were torn apart during the events of Captain America: Civil War, Thanos (played by Josh Brolin who is also set to feature as Cable on the upcoming Deadpool movie) arrives on Earth to collect the Infinity Stones for a gauntlet that will allow him to bend reality to his will. The Avengers must join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy to stop him before his onslaught of destruction puts an end to half the universe.

With so many layers to the movie, it’s hard to determine where to start exactly analysing it. What I will say from the onset though is it lived up to the billing and more, Infinity War blew my socks off and I can safely confirm that it is now one of my favourite movies ever, bunched up there with the likes of Inception and The Dark Knight Rises. In my book it is one of the best movies made and definitely the best comic book and fantasy led movie at the moment.

From the beginning it’s apparent that Marvel weren’t messing about with this one with the opening scene getting straight to the point involving some of the Avengers team members, the larger than life Thanos and his team of generals. Larger than life because that’s exactly what he is, he is almost Godlike. Marvel did a fantastic job with the CGI created character villain who blew me away. I’ve always said one of the biggest things that make a movie work well is the villain and Thanos in this instance is a more than worthy instigator deserving of going up against our favourite heroes.

Most of the storyline revolves around the villain who is hellbent on accomplishing his main mission and causing all kinds of destruction in his wake whilst at it. A fantastic job Marvel made to have Brolin play him, talk about a perfect fit. What I especially like about Thanos is how his character is humanized with softer moments accompanied by pure power, madness, narcissism, charm and dominance.  

Considering the number of moving parts involved, it would have been easy for a story like this to go sideways quickly…Marvel in conjunction with the Russo brothers did a fantastic job of knitting it all together perfectly and giving just about every hero and scene enough attention and screen time. I’m blown away by how everything was done perfectly in under two and a half hours, nothing felt rushed or out of place.

The concept of also having our heroes fighting for the same cause in different universes and parts of the earth was brilliant. In addition, the fight scenes were everything and more giving us a taste of what our favourite heroes are best known for, from Doctor Strange and his mind bending magic tricks and sorcery to Thor’s pure resilience and power…this movie had it all! The added humour in parts also made this a joy to watch. I’m afraid I don’t have anything bad to say about it, it’s near perfection. The now famous ending of the movie should also have you speechless and sets up the sequel perfectly…I wish that was coming out today! Needless to say, stick around for the short end credit scene after the movie has ended.

Marvel have delivered another masterpiece and literally a massive knockout punch, without a doubt their best movie ever. Topping this is going to be tough even for them. In my book, Infinity War is already a classic. Filled with all kinds of emotions, great characters and a fantastic piece of storytelling, this movie is everything and more. After watching I can safely confirm that it is indeed the movie I’ve been preparing for all my life. I don’t mind watching this one over and over again, in fact I’m going to watch it again and again and again…that’s why it gets an out of this world 9 out of 10 rating from me.

As always, special thanks to Ster Kinekor & MNet Movies for hooking a brother up with another superb screening.

Cast – Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Idris Elba, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson, Karl Urban, Mark Ruffalo & Anthony Hopkins

Director – Taika Waititi

Genre – Fantasy/Science fiction film

Running Time – 2h 10m

The Plot

In Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok,” Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe without his mighty hammer and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok – the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization – at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. But first he must survive a deadly gladiatorial contest that pits him against his former ally and fellow Avenger – the Incredible Hulk!

One of the movies I’ve been anticipating (no guesses why) has finally landed on the big screen. Needing no introduction, the character Thor has firmly established themselves in the Marvel Universe. Played by the oh so cool Chris Hemsworth (who I admit to having a small “man crush” on), our hero returns in a new edition simply titled Thor Ragnarok.

I always make it a point to check what the guys at Rotten Tomatoes (one of the most reliable movie sources) make of any movie before deciding whether or not it’s worth checking out. Surprisingly and utterly blown away to find out that Thor Ragnarok is rated at an astonishing 96% from a 100! A very and I mean very rare rating for any movie especially since the site includes the harshest of movie reviewers around. Losing my mind over the prospect, I couldn’t wait to check it out. Thankfully MNet Movies and Ster Kinekor came to my aid with a cool pre-screening.

Shot in Australia and featuring two Aussie actors in the main cast: Hemsworth and Cate Blanchett (who plays Hela, the first female villain to appear in the MCU), the movie’s events are set two years after the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron and perfectly sets up the next big MCU ensemble movie, Avengers: Infinity War.

It’s no secret I love comic book based movies and one of the reasons why is they allow you to escape the real world and into a fantasy world that’s usually mystical or magical in some way. Thor Ragnarok has this and more, including cool action sequences and hilarious moments throughout, the humour is what sold it the most for me. It’s a well put together movie with a cool plot that’s not difficult to follow or believe.

Unlike DC, which is usually dark and mysterious in its approach, Marvel has always been lighter, Thor Ragnarok is another good example of this. After finally seeing it I can declare that it’s the best superhero movie this year. Should be interesting to see if it takes the bragging rights outright especially with DC’s much-anticipated Justice League movie also coming through later next month…so once again, over to you DC!

Marvel comes through and kills it once again. Thor Ragnarok is less serious in its approach but the same can be said for many of Marvel’s other offerings. A good warm up for the main event, The Avengers: Infinity War, Thor Ragnarok will easily appeal to any movie watcher who just wants to check out a good, light hearted movie that also has cool action sequences. Best comic based movie for 2017 so far, go check it out…and no it has nothing to do with my man crush…okay maybe a little. Bottom line is you won’t regret it, Thor Ragnorak get a cool 4.4 out of 5 rating from me.