Thor

THOR
It took me about 20 minutes to get used to the tonal mixture of Kenneth Branagh’s loud and shiny super-sitcom, but it ultimately works, even if the scale is surprisingly small. I remain Meh on Natalie Portman, but the rest of the cast embraces the grand cheese with great aplomb.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD
If I were into video games… or Manga… or Beck… or if Michael Cera didn’t make me wanna kick puppies… or if I were a 16 year-old girl… I may well have enjoyed Edgar Wright’s stylish comics adaptation. Things being as they are, however, I cannot say I did.

Action Comics #900

ACTION COMICS #900
This anniversary issue forgoes stand-alone celebration for contemporary comics’ aggravating focus on expanded storylines. Damon Lindeloff’s and Geoff Johns’ backup tales shine, but David Goyer’s citizenship renunciation story smacks of PR grab and a Richard Donner-penned piece is illustrated in an awkward storyboard style. Overall, an unsatisfying missed opportunity.

Ad Nauseum

AD NAUSEUM: A SURVIVOR’S GUIDE TO AMERICAN CONSUMER CULTURE edited by Carrie McLaren and Jason Torchinsky
This collection of essays from STAY FREE! Magazine and website balances righteous anger with hilarious bemusement over the ever-widening corporate encroachment into our lives. While modern technology has rendered some of these pieces anachronistic, this book is an excellent primer for the conscientious consumer.

Talking Funny

TALKING FUNNY
Well, not really. Look, I think Jerry Seinfeld, Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock and Louis C.K. are all amazingly funny men, but this 45 minute circle jerk is only slightly enlightening and even less amusing. This discussion of style and philosophy could’ve remained a work discussion among friends.