‘Deadpool 2’ delivers laughs and action
By Victoria Pfefferle-Gillot | For The Pitt News
May 23, 2018
“Deadpool 2,” released May 18, claims to be a family movie, despite leading with a murder — no different than movies like “The Lion King” or “Bambi,” according to the title character. But based on its R rating and crude jokes, it’s safe to say “Deadpool 2” doesn’t qualify. ...
Black Panther revitalizes the stagnant superhero genre
By Vikram Sundar | For The Pitt News
February 20, 2018
Director Ryan Coogler enters new territory with “Black Panther,” peeling back old layers of the formulaic superhero narrative to reveal fresh and exciting elements rarely seen in the genre. Following the enormous box office success of Marvel’s latest entries — “Guardians of the Galaxy Vo...
The poetry of panels: Marvel’s first black woman writer and Pitt professor Yona Harvey pens new series ‘World of Wakanda’
By Matt Maielli / Staff Writer
August 21, 2016
Filed under Culture
Poetry and comics have more in common than you think. Yona Harvey, a Pitt English professor, recently accepted a deal to write a 10-page story for the upcoming Marvel “Black Panther” spin-off comic series. Ta-Nehisi Coates, writer for The Atlantic and author of “Between the World and Me,”...
Marvel v DC: the battle for the multiplex
By Ian Flanagan / Culture Editor
May 10, 2016
Eight years after “Iron Man” set the stage — and perfected Marvel’s new brand — Disney’s unprecedented superhero franchise is still running like clockwork. Disney released the 13th entry in its hugely popular canon, “Captain America: Civil War,” last Friday to universal praise and a ...
The name’s May, Aunt May: Have the studios taken superhero universe-building a bit too far?
By Jack Trainor / Staff Writer
January 12, 2015
Since their launch to prominence in America during World War II and their cultural takeover from the 1960s onward, superheroes have always represented the best of intentions — whether that’s escapism, entertainment or perpetuating good old American values of bravery and heroism. Superheroes are symbols...
‘Big Hero 6’ has heart beneath layers of visual candy
By Hannah Marshall / For The Pitt News
November 12, 2014
"Big Hero 6"Directed by: Don Hall and Chris WilliamsStarring: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, T.J. MillerRated: PG for action and peril, some rude humor and thematic elementsNow showing at AMC Loews Waterfront, SouthSide WorksGrade: A-All the way back in 2009, when a bushy-tailed and gray-free Barack Obam...
‘Winter Soldier’ more than just an appetizer for next ‘Avengers’
By Ian Flanagan / Staff Writer
April 7, 2014
Filed under Archives
"Captain America: The Winter Soldier"Directed by: Anthony and Joe RussoStarring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony MackieGrade: BWith “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” taking shape, “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” does exactly what Marvel needs for its mega-franchise — it provides brawny, if forg...
Newest Thor installment shows Marvel’s second phase will keep pace
By Ian Flanagan / For The Pitt News
November 7, 2013
Filed under Archives
“Thor: The Dark World”Directed by: Alan TaylorStarring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christopher Eccleston, Tom HiddlestonGrade: BMarvel Studios continues their unmatched streak of dependably enjoyable comic-book-themed films with “Thor: The Dark World.”As “phase one,” which included al...