Rick Marshall

‘Green Lantern’ Easter Eggs: Five Things To Look For This Weekend!

Rick Marshall — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:20:26 +0000

(MTV News – June 16, 2011) “Green Lantern” brings its emerald glow to theaters this weekend, and just like so many other projects making the leap from page to screen, it’s packed with call-outs to its comic book source material.

As we’ve done in the past with “X-Men: First Class” and “Thor,” here’s a spoiler-free breakdown of five hidden (and not-so-hidden) things to look for when you check out “Green Lantern.”

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

“Captain America: The First Avenger” Review

Rick Marshall — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 01:46:44 +0000

Marvel’s star-spangled Avenger explodes onto the big screen, but how does his big debut stack up?

(IFC.com – July 22, 2011) Captain America may be the first Avenger, but he’s also the penultimate test of a cinematic experiment that culminates in next year’s superhero ensemble film, “The Avengers.” Thus far, Marvel Studios’ plan has been a success, with Iron Man, Hulk, and Thor all managing to establish themselves with mainstream audiences individually, then transforming that success into anticipation for their return in “Avengers.”

However, after watching “Captain America: The First Avenger,” it makes sense that the studio would position star-spangled superhero Steve Rogers as the last character to make his solo debut before the big “Avengers” reunion. In many ways, the film feels more like a preamble to something bigger than a self-contained story – but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

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“Captain America” 101 – A brief guide to the WWII superhero and his supporting cast

Rick Marshall — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:14:03 +0000

Everything you need to know about America’s First Avenger.

(IFC – July 20, 2011) “Captain America: The First Avenger” arrives in theaters this week, putting the story of Marvel’s soldier-turned-superhero Steve Rogers in front of mainstream movie audiences. And while Captain America isn’t exactly a b-list character, there’s a good chance that some people buying tickets this weekend might not be all that familiar with the star-spangled hero and his supporting cast of allies and enemies.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a quick primer on the major players in the Captain America universe. Think of it as your very own comic book boot camp – just with fewer push-ups and more super-powers.

10 Things Everyone Should Do At Least Once During Comic-Con

Rick Marshall — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:55:32 +0000

(Movies.com – July 19, 2011) Comic-Con is almost here, and while the thought of everything that will happen during the four-day event can make even the most hardened journalist break down in tears, there’s a good reason why it’s one of the biggest pop-culture events of the year: it can actually be a lot of fun.

In the run-up to the big event, we’re always treated to a wide range of stories listing the coolest panels for every type of attendee, as well as prep lists outlining what you should bring and how you should plan your weekend. But what about the stuff that makes Comic-Con really memorable?

As someone who’s made the trek to San Diego an annual excursion over the last decade, I’ve come to realize that there are a few experiences almost every Comic-Con veteran shares. So, in the interest of transforming you from Comic-Con newbie to seasoned pro in just four days, here are ten things you can do to make the best of the communal experience that is San Diego Comic-Con.

NYCC 2010: What’s Keeping A New ‘Spawn’ Animated Series Off TV? Todd McFarlane Explains!

Rick Marshall — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:57:20 +0000

It’s been a while since I caught up with Spawn creator Todd McFarlane to discuss his plans for a brand new animated series based on the popular antihero. With issue #200 of the “Spawn” comic book series on the way, the character has achieved a level of success shared by few properties hailing from the indie side of the comics world — and that’s not even counting the live-action “Spawn” movie in 1997 and award-winning HBO animated series that ran from 1998-99.

Last time I spoke to McFarlane, he outlined his plans to bring Spawn back to the animated world this year, once several legal issues had settled out and allowed him to shop the project around Hollywood. When I snagged some time with the veteran creator during New York Comic Con, he offered a status update of sorts on Spawn’s return to television.

(MTV News – October 8, 2010) New York Comic Con

‘Captain America’ Trailer Commentary: We Break Down ‘The First Avenger’ Footage!

Rick Marshall — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:50:05 +0000

The first full-length “Captain America: The First Avenger” trailer has arrived online, ending a week of sneak peeks, early clips, and anticipation. Earlier today, I analyzed some of the key scenes from the new footage, and now it’s time for some full-on trailer commentary, courtesy of yours truly (MTV Splash Page Editor Rick Marshall) and MTV Movies Blog Editor (and former Splash Page writer) Josh Wigler.

(MTV News – March 24, 2011)

‘Thor’ Easter Eggs: Five Things To Look For In Marvel’s New Movie!

Rick Marshall — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:45:56 +0000

Like all Marvel Studios movies, when “Thor” arrives in theaters this weekend it will bring along a heap of cameos and other Easter Eggs for fans attuned to the greater Marvel cinematic universe.

In the video below, I call out five things to look out for when you head to the theaters this weekend. Give it a look before you get your “Thor” on, and let me know what you find!

(MTV News – May 6, 2011)

‘Smallville’ Experts Discuss The Series Finale And What’s Next For Fans!

Rick Marshall — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:43:28 +0000

There’s been no shortage of reminders this week that the final episode of “Smallville” will air tomorrow evening, capping off a record-breaking, ten-year run that saw Clark Kent grow from awkward teenager to Man of Steel. Of course, by the time the credits roll in the series finale, we might also see him become one of the greatest heroes the comics world has ever known: Superman.

With that in mind, I reached out to some of the online world’s “Smallville” experts for a chat about what we’re hoping to see in the series finale, as well as why “Smallville” has had such a long run, and what the future holds for fans.

(MTV News – June 12, 2011)

‘X-Men: First Class’ Easter Eggs: Five Things To Look For This Weekend!

Rick Marshall — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:40:11 +0000

“X-Men: First Class” hits theaters this weekend, and like all good comic book movies, it’s packed full of nods to its comic book source material and the existing X-Men movie universe. Last month, I told you about five things to look out for in “Thor,” and now I’ve got another five elements to put on your radar before you check out “X-Men: First Class.”

(MTV News – June 3, 2011)

What Did The ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark’ Creators Learn From The Experience?

Rick Marshall — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 19:36:12 +0000

After months and months of pre-production, including injured actors, troubles with the script and a complete overhaul, the beleaguered Broadway musical “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” officially opened on the Great White Way on Tuesday night (June 14).

(MTV News – June 14, 2011) “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” Red Carpet Premiere