It’s all been building up to this – the past TEN YEARS of awesome Marvel films featuring our favorite superheroes have all been leading to this one big film: Avengers Infinity War. Needless to say, hubby and I have been eagerly awaiting it’s release for YEARS, but nothing could have prepared us for this wild ride. I’ve never had a more challenging time writing about a film – especially a superhero one – than I am now because I’m practically SPEECHLESS about Infinity War!

It doesn’t matter who you enjoyed seeing the most the past decade – whether it was the classic Avengers, Thor and Loki, Black Panther, Spiderman or the Guardians of the Galaxy – because they all come together for this massively EPIC roller coaster of a battle. From the far reaches of space, to the city streets, to Wakanda, everyone must do their part for any hope to save half of all life in the galaxy.

Y’all know I don’t want to give out any spoilers – I’m a firm believer in seeing it for yourself. And even if not, I’m confident that no matter how much I told you, it would still be an extreme shock to your system once you watch the film! So to avoid spoilers, let me just tell you why Avengers Infinity War is not only the greatest movie ever made (in my own, personal opinion), but why it’s in a league all it’s own and practical requires you to see it more than once!

The Villain You’ve Always Wanted

Thanos is FINALLY making his appearance, and let me assure you he does not disappoint all the hype and build up the past several years. He puts the other villains to shame with his power, will, determination, intelligence and more. Not only that, but as you go through the story with him, you see things a different way. Is he evil? Is he just willing to do what must be done for the better of the universe? I’ll let you decide that for yourself…

Oh, and if you’ve never seen any villain THROW A MOON, you’ll love this awesomeness 🙂

An Emotional Ride You May Not Be Ready For

You’ll laugh the whole way through (this is a Marvel film, after all). You’ll most likely cry – possibly the whole way through. You’ll be trying to solve problems or seek answers to questions. There’s so much your brain and emotions will be going through from the first moments (I kid you not – do NOT be late to this movie!) all the way until the after credits scene, that your brain may even feel a little funny afterwards.

You’ll Leave Feeling Different

The whole walk to our vehicle after the movie, then the entire drive home – and even the next day – hubby and I just kept saying things like ‘I just….I have no idea!’ You will feel different – unsure, curious, excited, sad, angry, happy, incomplete, and so many other emotions you may not even be able to label. I’ve NEVER had a movie put me through so much in less than 3 hours – and especially not in a way that lasts long after the movie is done!

You Won’t Expect What’s to Come

If you’re like most everyone else, you’ll be trying to figure it all out along the way. No matter what you guess, no matter how you think it’ll end – you’re likely wrong. It will blow you away! Again – I don’t want to ruin anything for you – but trust me that you won’t know what hit you, even at the finale!

The Visuals are Astounding

So there’s the incredible, one-of-a-kind storyline, great cast, hilarious content and surprises all along the way – but Avengers Infinity War also has amazing visual effects. Fight scenes, insane battles, powerful demonstrations, tricky magic, sweet moments, and so much more is done so well that you feel like you’re right there through it all. It makes me truly grateful for the technology we have today, making the stunning sights in this movie possible!

Even now, as I’m trying to put my exact thoughts and emotions into words to share with you, it’s nearly impossible. There’s just SO MUCH! I do know this, though – no film has ever made me go through so many emotions or thoughts, and I’ve never enjoyed any movie as much as I did Infinity War. I cannot WAIT until next year for the next installment of Infinity War (name yet to be released – eeeeek, so excited!) to see the fate of not only some of our favorite heroes, but also the universe!

Go see Avengers Infinity War NOW – even two or three times!

This year may be one of the most exciting for Marvel – leading up to Infinity Wars, which we’ve all been anxiously anticipating. Along the way, we couldn’t miss out on learning more about the Black Panther – his story, his ascension to the throne, and the history of Wakanda. Along the way, we learn who’s a friend, who’s an enemy, and who may be a little bit of both. As T’Challa’s father tells him – ‘you’re a good man, with a good heart – and it’s hard for a good man to be king.” The big question is, what will this king decide for the fate of his people, for Wakanda, and the rest of the world?

There’s several parts of this film that are just SO MUCH BETTER if you see them yourself, and I don’t want to spoil anything – so let’s just discuss some of the obvious points, and why you can’t miss out on this incredible film! First, we know that T’Challa’s father was killed in the Captain America: Civil War movie, so now he’s next in line for the throne. There are traditions and rituals in Wakanda that must be followed, and since he isn’t the only one who can make an attempt to rule, a few surprising characters may get in his way.

As we’ve come to expect and enjoy from Marvel films, there’s plenty of humor in Black Panther – my favorites typically come from the brother-sister dynamic between T’Challa and his little sister Shuri. She’s definitely full of spunk, plus a total genius!

I’ve always been a Black Widow fan, but I have to admit that if I had to choose to be beaten up by her or Okoye, general of Wakanda, I’d pick Widow because – holy crap – Okoye is LETHAL! She not only has remarkable loyalty to her country, but is one of the best fighters I’ve ever seen. Have a ton of guns? Too bad, her spear is still gonna kick your butt!

It’s quite a ride through the whole movie, wondering which of the potential-bad-guys will end up being the real threat. Maybe M’Baku from another tribe, or W’Kabi who grew up as T’Challa’s friend. Maybe it’s Klaw who’s still angry of his mark when he stole that vibranium many years ago. Perhaps the mysterious Erik Killmonger will be more than Wakanda can handle. Even CIA agent Everett K. Ross may pose a major danger if he learns of Wakanda’s truth. T’Challa certainly has his hands full, and hopefully he can figure out who to trust – and some sad truths from his father’s past.

I doubt I’m alone, but Lupita Nyong’o is one of my absolute FAVORITE actresses – she’s so talented, and stunningly gorgeous. Her character, Nakia, is one full of heart and empathy for those suffering in the world. She’s a brave woman who has a few decisions to make regarding her place in everything, and where her loyalties lie the most.

The visuals in Black Panther are a stark reminder as to how far CG and affects have come over the years – it’s AMAZING! Their tech, the landscape, the suites, battle scenes, and even just the stunning beauty of Wakanda keeps you enthralled from beginning to end.

Be prepared for an entertaining, exciting ride with Black Panther as we’re faced with many surprises and turns – and possibly an outcome that will affect not just Wakanda, but the entire world.

Who’s YOUR favorite character in Black Panther?

I attended a free early screening to facilitate this review. All opinions are entirely my own.

When I heard they were creating a Guardians of the Galaxy sequel, I was super excited. The first was such a hit, though, could they live up to it with another one? And how would it fit into the massive Marvel universe and the events unfolding over the next few years with these films? I’m THRILLED to report that everyone involved did a remarkable job with this film, and I can honestly say that I like it even better than the first! You get ALL the Feels with Guardians of the Galaxy 2!

The very talented, original cast returns with favorites like Chris Pratt as Star-Lord/Peter Quill, Zoe Saldana as the INCREDIBLE role model Gamora, Dave Bautista as the very blunt Drax, with Bradley Cooper as the voice of the bad-talking Rocket and Vin Diesel as the voice of Baby Groot.

With talent like that on board, it’s hard to go wrong – but even this amazing group exceeded expectations in showing a different side to each of their characters in the movie. Drax making the comment that it’s good to be hideously ugly, because then when someone loves you, you know they really truly love you for what’s inside – the beautiful people don’t know who to trust, is quite surprising for his war-focused character. But that was quite deep!

You’ve also got a bunch of new faces, such as Peter’s father EGO, played by the hunky and incredible Kurt Russel. Peter is thrilled to finally connect with the man he never knew, but everything isn’t quite as it appears.

You know how movies can sometimes do so well at one or two aspects of the movie – like visuals or character development or humor – but kind of flop on the others to make up for it? Guardians of the Galaxy 2 is NOT like that at all! You get more backstory on quite a few of our favorite people, but it doesn’t make the story-line slow down. You get LOTS of humor – seriously, it may be funnier than the first – but also the excitement, the wonder of what’s going to happen or what the mystery is. You grip your seat to see if our hero’s will make it, or who won’t. You also may cry at the friendships being challenged, new ones being made, and learning what REALLY makes a family. Plus, there’s tons of ‘awwww’ moments brought by the adorable Baby Groot!

‘Secrets’ or emotions that have been buried deep may be forced to the surface by Mantis, an empath they meet along their journey who can read people’s emotions with a touch – such as Peter’s feelings for Gamora, or Drax’s downright hysterical laughter at his friends’ embarrassment.

Remember Nebula, played by the beautiful Karen Gillan? It’s Gamora’s part-mechanical step-sister that still has a bone to pick with her ‘always has to win’ sister. But when HER secret desire emerges, things go a different way for these two ladies, and makes you see Nebula in a whole new light.

Yondu – played by the amazing Michael Rooker – is back in the action! I’ve always wondered about him, and glad that we learn more about this ravager’s past, and the REAL reason he didn’t deliver Peter to his father many years before. Of all the characters in the movie, I always pictures him and Rocket the most likely to butt heads – they’re both snarky, push others away, steal, seem super selfish, and are definitely full of themselves. That was one surprise I wasn’t suspecting, when these two make a connection and join up – working together in quite an amusing and emotional way. Some friendships are made stronger because of our differences, others from our similarities – and this is one example of the later!

Since Kurt Russell has been a favorite of mine ever since seeing Overboard when I was younger, I couldn’t wait to see him in a superhero movie. It’s like the best of everything! He didn’t disappoint, bringing plenty of emotion, action and a big helping of laugh-out-loud humor.

If there’s someone you don’t want to piss off, it’s the High Priestess of the Sovereign People – a group that genetically alters and grows each citizen for a specific purpose, and think of themselves as perfect. Needless to say, they’re about as conceited as can be, and easily offended – not good for our sarcastic, often rude bunch!

From fighting inter-dimensional monsters, to visiting beautiful worlds hundreds of ‘jumps’ away, the Guardians never give up on the galaxy, or each other.

And did you know that Baby Groot has a worse mouth than even Rocket? It’s true – goodness, they’ll need to have a talk to that little ‘twig’ sometime!

Oh, and in case you missed him in the first movie – for you Gilmore Girl fans, check it out – KIRK!!! Guess he got yet ANOTHER type of employment, as Yondu’s right-hand man and friend. Kraglin, played by Sean Gunn, is around a lot more in the sequel, and I’m definitely impressed at how well he plays a Ravager.

If you’re like me, you’re eager to see where Peter & Gamora’s relationship goes. We saw their friendship – and potential romantic feelings – start in the original movie. Now you can tell they’re basically best friends – but are there ‘unspoken things’ between them, too?

There’s a scene where Yondu, Rocket and Baby Groot have to escape, and without spoiling anything I just have to say – AMAZING! The 3D in the movie is great the whole way, but this particular scene is even better – can you keep up with Yondu’s awesome arrow? I couldn’t!

Along with the reasons I think you should see it in 3D if at all possible – the space scenes are remarkable! Weaving in and out of blasts, Peter & Rocket fighting over who gets to fly the ship, it’s quite the adventure – and visually amazing!

There’s SO MUCH I love about this film, but if I absolutely HAD to pick my one favorite – it’d be Baby Groot. I mean, this little guy is so adorable!

He adds plenty of laughable moments, plus makes your heart break when he gets bullied or has little tears in those big, pleading eyes. I absolutely LOVE Baby Groot – wish I had one! But don’t let the cuteness overload fool you – he can sure kick (or whip) some butt when you tick him off!

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 opens THIS WEEK, so hurry & nab your tickets now!

I attended a free screening, but as always all opinions are mine alone. #DoctorStrange

As avid Marvel fans, we’ve been counting down the days until the newest film hits theaters. We were already super excited for Doctor Stephen Strange to make an appearance, and after seeing a 15 minute ‘sneak peak’ a few weeks ago we could hardly contain our eagerness! They sure didn’t disappoint – go see for yourself this week, and prepare for stunning visuals, grip-your-seat excitement, extreme danger & laugh-out-loud humor in Marvel’s Doctor Strange!

We knew it would be amazing, if for no other reasons THE CAST is full of talented individuals who were bound to pull us into this story of Doctor Stephen Strange – a famous neurosurgeon who’s a bit too full of himself, as he never fails.

After a horrible car accident (don’t drive while distracting, texting or anything of the sort guys!!!), his hands are shaky and he can no longer perform his miracles in the OR. After 7 painful and expensive surgeries, and pushing away the one person who really cares about him, he takes one last chance by meeting ‘The Ancient One’ – who isn’t what Strange was expecting!

After he realizes this isn’t just a bunch of ‘gift shop’ crap teachings, he puts his incredible mind into his studies to become a sorcerer. Of course, his thirst for knowledge, fear of failure, and downright ridiculous ego threaten to be his undoing!

And guys – THE CLOAK!!! This fantastic relic – the Cloak of Levitation – has quite the personality, and does more than a few hilarious tricks to assist his new friend Doctor Strange.

But will his relics, knowledge and natural gift for magic be enough to stop the awful fate The Ancient One’s old student, Kaecilius, has planned for Earth?

You’ll have to see for yourself if Strange can overcome his ego, learn and accept that it isn’t about him, and risk everything to protect the world from an eternity of torture.

I was blown away by the visual affects all through the film – from the spells and fight scenes, to the warping of reality and more!

Doctor Strange hits theaters November 4th, 2016 – so hurry, grab your tickets, and be ready for the next film from Marvel Studios! And don’t forget to stay ALL THE WAY through the credits guys!