Top 12 Marvel villain portrayals

Hello and welcome to another edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen, in honor of my newest review of "Guardians of the Galaxy" I decided to rate the top portrayals of  Marvel comic book villains in movies. In case you didn't read that review (shame on you) I stated that the acting in it was some of the best I have seen from a Marvel movie. I have taken "Guardians of the Galaxy" out of the equation for this list and focused specifically on portrayals before the movie released. These are all based off of my own opinion (as per usual) and have no basis in other critical acclaims. I have also limited the list to one per movie (not franchise). If their were two villains in a movie I had to choose between them. So let's get this bad guy bunch counted off.

12) Julian McMahon - Dr. Doom

This movie may have not heralded the same critical praise most Marvel movie's get today; but, as with most Marvel movies the cast was perfect. The plastic surgeon from "Nip/Tuck" may not have been anyone's first pick, but people are often happily surprised by these choices in the end. Julian brought a certain air of cockiness and obvious superiority to the role that Dr. Doom commanded from the comic books. It was easy to see through out the movie why Reed Richards hated him and why he became the Fantastic Four's greatest rival.

11) Michael Clarke Duncan - The Kingpin

You know the most disconcerting argument I hear about this casting choice? You guessed it, the race card. I am the type of person that likes to see this type of material played around with every once in a while. Whether it be changing a villain's race or changing a superhero's gender I really don't care, it can only enhance the story of the movie, and maybe even improve upon the original content. Michael was the most believable portrayal of this role I could even hope of seeing. The way he towered over Affleck as Daredevil to the way he spoke to his subordinates. His performance was commanding, abrasive, and at times a bit frightening.

10) Jeff Bridges - Iron Monger

Another choice no one really saw coming, but Marvel proved to be on top of the performances once again. Bridges didn't really surprise anyone when his character betrayed Tony Stark, but he did command a certain amount of respect. You could really believe he was this guy that lived in the shadow of better men while he got nothing. When he went up against Stark I could imagine myself in his shoes, punching the lights out of a few select bosses I have had in my time. If he wasn't such an obvious asshole I could have seen myself rooting for him, but he liked to sell arms to both sides so screw that guy.

9) Ben Kingsley - The Mandarin

I've gotten a lot of guff for saying this movie was the best in the series. I've especially gotten a lot of snarky remarks from loving what they did with The Mandarin's character, since it wasn't true to the comics. There was once a time I complained about things not being like they were in the comics, but if the movie was good I no longer have these complaints. Especially if the change that they brought to the table actually improved the character from the version it was in the original book. Kingsley slipped seamlessly from unattached terrorist to bumbling, drunk actor. The man did it so effortlessly you would think he had been acting for decades...oh wait.

8) Alfred Molina - Doctor Octopus

It is no secret that I have a special place in my heart for the original Spider-Man series, so it should surprise no one that the man that portrayed such an iconic character made the list. Alfred Molina had a wide range of chanters he has played  before he dawned his tentacles, so it should have came as no surprise that he would be good. Not only did he prove to be good, he proved brilliant during such scenes where he took control of the tentacles that to seemed have him under their spell. Moments where it seemed he was slipping slowly into madness, and scenes where he finally redeemed himself for the wrongs he has committed make him stand out among his peers.

7) John Travolta - Howard Saint

This is probably going to be one of the more controversial decisions on this list. Whether people say it is too high or just shouldn't merit any attention my choice stays. John Travolta has made it his hobby to slip back and forth between protagonist and antagonist roles, and every time he plays them he does so in his usual superior way. This role was seemingly perfect for him after you saw his portrayal of both good and bad guy in "Face-Off." You see anger in his eyes when he has to kill, you see fear cloud his face when his inevitable comeuppance is at hand and you never see real joy (which is what you would expect from someone in his position).

6) Sebastian Stan - The Winter Soldier

Why did a character who basically had no lines make this list? Because presence was everything with this character and Sebastian Stan had plenty of presence to go around. If you were unfamiliar with the comic book, the reveal of his true identity still probably didn't surprise you too much; but, the ride he led us on was a real roller coaster. Whether you were looking into his smoldering eyes, or feeling his pain during the mind washing scenes he fit the bill for this role perfectly and ultimately shined.

5) Kevin Bacon - Sebastian Shaw

This has nothing to do with the degrees of Kevin Bacon hype train. While that is kind of funny, Kevin Bacon really came into his own as an actor and this role was a big example of his talent. Basically he answered the question of how you play a character with seemingly limitless power? The answer was simplicity itself. You be the most menacing you, you can be. When he absorbs a blast from an exploding hand grenade and touches the person with his index finger you feel the presence of true power emulating from his performance. When you see him order the murder of a woman in front of her child as easily as he would order a pizza, you feel true fear in your heart. Kevin Bacon didn't just command respect, he embodied absolute power in this role.

4) Hugo Weaving - Red Skull

Mr. Smith, Lord Elrond, and all of his other roles culminating into a throw-down with America's best soldier as the Red Skull. His character was crazy, his demeanor was enforcing, almost as if he was trying to play a better version of Hitler. When he killed dozens, tore off his fake face or just got into a fist fight with Cap he was Red Skull incarnate While some people can take or leave his German accent, I can't stop loving his character.

3) Willem Dafoe - Green Goblin

You remember when I said it shouldn't surprise you that an original Spider-Man trilogy cast member made my list? It definitely shouldn't surprise you that THE Spider-man villain ranked among the top three. Willem Dafoe has a nack for playing dark characters, and this character was one of his more dark portrayals  Call it typecasting for his notable voice, I call it damn good acting. You can hear him battle with his inner demons until he takes on the guise of Dissociative Identity Disorder. One character a weak man trying to save what little good is left with in him, the other an evil man that will go through Mary Jane, Aunt May, even his own son to get things done and come out on top. The final scene when he utters the words "don't tell Harry" should make you shiver all over.

2) Sir Ian McKellen - Magneto

When you put Sir Ian McKellen in the driver seat of a major bad guy, you can only expect greatness. In fact when you put him in the driver seat of a major good guy you should expect the same thing.  I am not saying the man is the best actor in the world, I am saying he hasn't done a bad role yet. His portrayal of one of the biggest villains in comic books turned out to be exactly what Marvel intended it to be. Perfect. His one liners register with audiences and have us saying them for years after the movie's release. His presence is a mix between deity, cocky, wise, and corrupt. When Fassbender dawned the helmet in "X-Men: First Class" he was a very good fit, but when the two of them played the same role in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" it was as if Sir Ian McKellen was saying "Listen Jr. this is how it is done."

1) Tom Hiddleston - Loki

Who was this guy before he played Loki? The answer is no one really. This character made his career and it is not hard to see why people can't stop talking about him. We didn't really expect much from a no name actor, but what we got knocked our socks off and stole our hearts. Whether he is facing his brother Thor, or the entire Avengers team you see Loki in every part of his performance. From playful banter, to horrifying threats he puts your heart in an unstoppable emotional hurricane and leaves you begging for more. I have often imagined if he spent months preparing for this role, or if this is just his usual nature; but, whatever it is it sure is amazing to see. I can only hope his star keeps rising from here.

Honorable Mention) Stephen Dorff - Deacon Frost

Someone that seems like he had more fun with this role than most of the people on this list. If only he acted it out better.

Top 12 Movie and Television fandoms

Hello and welcome to another edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen, for the first time featured on Dustin's Disastrous Decisions. This is the first time I have done a list in a while so bare with me, but I had to do this (mainly because I might have offended one or two of these fandoms in my time on Facebook). The merit of this list is based on how much I have heard about it in my time on social media and what it has accomplished in it's time. If you are looking for impacts on society or what have you check another list.

12) Scoobies

Lasting for ten seasons "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans were never satiated. I might have been a little biased on this since I am personally a Scooby, but I have to look at the proof here. Joss Whedon was basically forced into continuing the series because fans could not shut up about the shows. You can still find people re-watching this series to this day, and it ended almost eleven years ago. Back in the day, a show being focused mainly on fantasy and being this popular was unheard of. So yeah I guess it earned its place.

11) Tributes

I didn't hear even ten percent as much about the first movie as I did the second movie. I had people giving the three fingers sign to me on deployment, and I wouldn't have expected half of these men to be into the series. This series has clamped onto society so much that the production company has seen a gold mine and split the final chapter into two installments. Merchandise flies off the shelves, and you see members of this fandom with a Mockingjay or giving each other the hand signal in a hallway. Not the biggest fandom I have seen by far, but if this keeps growing I might have to rewrite this list.

10) Colbert Nation

This man would be nothing without his fans. He would still be funny, but I highly doubt he would be getting the spot David Letterman has held for so long if not for the support of his fans. That is what they accomplished. They got this man into one of the most coveted comedic positions on television, and that is a big success.

9) Bronies

I am used to seeing "Star Wars" figurines fly off shelves, or fans waiting for the store to open on the day the figurine shipment comes in, or even (sometimes) reserving figures. I never thought I would see "My Little Pony" merchandise fly off the shelves faster than that did. Some Bronies get jobs at shopping centers just so they can be guaranteed a new figure of their favorite pony. This is also probably the most mocked fandom I have ever seen, (I never mocked them persay, I was just confused as to what they were and why they were such a big deal... I was educated by fans don't worry). The message these people preach is nice, and I can respect their fandom. Not long ago people said the same thing about comic book readers.

8) Twihards

Yes. Yes. Say what you will but I wouldn't have crossed a "twilight" fan back in the day. They were some of the most loyal, endearing fans I ever got to witness, and that is saying a lot. Yes, they were a bit intense; but, intensity is a good thing for a fandom. This book series merited five movies, four books, hundreds of thousands of fan websites, millions upon millions of dollars, and a civil war (don't know how else to describe the whole "Team Edward Vs. Team Jacob" thing). The fact that people kept talking about this on and on, and the accomplishments I mentioned more than make this a worthy addition.

7) Unsullied

I guess the fact that this fandom is so new is the reason I keep hearing the general populace scream about it from the top of their lungs. The accomplishments for this are a little less legal ("most pirated show"), also a little vague (it has been RUMORED the author of the book series is issuing another book because of the show's popularity). Mainly the reason this is up here is because of how many people I hear obsessing over this show. I kind of want to give it my own reward "Most spoiled show in history." (Since people love to spoil the television show for viewers that fall behind or haven't read the book).

6) Ringers

So, they made the first three movies and forgot A LOT of characters, but they still made three great movies that people went nuts over. Nine years after the release of the final installment Peter Jackson had to get back on the train, and make three more films about the first book. That is my accomplishment for this movie, the fact that the fans screamed so loud, they got more. Not unheard of and not the first time, but the community is so large they are hard to ignore. Oh and most community members can speak Elvish, also not unheard of to memorize a fictional language, but impressive.

5) Browncoats

Yes. The "Firefly" television show was cancelled after one season, we are all still grieving (I am also a browncoat...sue me); but, what happened after this show was cancelled? Fans went out in droves, creating website, after website. Used gorilla marketing for the home release of the series. Got every friend or family member they could together, and had the studio make a movie to finish up the series. I give this series all the credit in the world for fighting as hard as they did. It is ridiculous to think that a show that only lasted one season got so many people enthralled that they made a movie and are currently working on a game.  You just can't take the sky away from Browncoats. (had to say it)

4) Whovians

This is the longest running sci-fi series I know of. This is the second most talked about television show I currently have cluttering my Facebook wall. Fans are loyal to this series regardless of what happens, regardless of what the studio does, and will fight tooth and nail for its continuation. Hearing about all of the people into this show makes me wish I had given it a shot; but, I have way too many fandoms as it is. Hope you guys enjoy your new Doctor.

3) Potterheads

So the book series that got an entire generation into reading got a movie made after it (of course). The people that follow this series talk about the houses they identify with more than their major in college. They made the fictional sport of quidditch into a real game. They have memorized the spells in these books and have mock-duels. Universal Studios keeps on adding more to the Harry Potter section, because the fans just can't get enough of that part of the theme park. The author had to continue the series with Pottermore, so the fans would stop beating her door down with questions (I assume). I like Harry Potter, but these people are true die hard fans and I have to respect it.
 

2) Trekkies

Elvish? Try Klingon. Yeah, the original fictional language fans memorized. The accomplishments of this are too many to go into detail for so I am going to list a few. 2 brand new movies making the count for this: five different series (six if you include the animated one) and twelve films, conventions, merchandise flying off the shelves, the war between Wars and Trek, the civil war between the original series and TNG (more accurately Kirk Vs. Pickard). Countless more but that is a few. These people have been dedicated, and passed that dedication down to their children.

1) Star Wars Fans

Yeah. This one is definitely bigger. I know you are wondering how this can be the biggest fandom when a lot of fans hated the most recent three movie. Fans don't necessarily hate the new films, they just use it as a generational divider. Older generation likes the old three; younger likes the other three. The fact is that everything with the "Star Wars" name has made money and (usually) has been adored by fans. Video games, cartoons, merchandise. They have even created their own holiday, and have a following of troops called the 501st that do events for fans. This film has accomplished so much that it kind of blacks out everything else in the fandom universe. I am not just saying this because I am Star Wars nut, I love Star Trek too (weird right? kind of like a Romeo and Juliet unto myself). I am saying this because the Star Wars fans are the most vocal group ever.

Honorable Mention) Gleeks

Only reason this didn't make the list was because it fell off the radar. Still heard a lot about it when it first came out.

Best DC/Marvel animated series

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen. In honor of the record breaking "Captain America: Winter Soldier" (and to fan the flames of the future rivalry between "Captain America 3" and "Superman/Batman" in 2015), I give you a list of the best animated series to be put out by the biggest companies in comics. If there is one thing I know more than anything else in this world (that's right even movies... LIKE my page Dustin's Disastrous Decisions on Facebook) it is animated series. I spend too much time watching animated series, especially when given the hours I spend sifting through their meaning. So let's get this list started!

12) Static Shock

Static Shock was another one of those Saturday morning Kids WB specials that tried capitalizing on the big super hero boom. It was an interesting series (to say the least), especially given that you got to see it evolve. It went from a show that tried to give kids a message (guns aren't the answer, dyslexia isn't a laughing matter, racism is alive and bad, etc.) to being a story driven and deep series. It wasn't necessarily the best series ever, but if you watch it from start to finish it is interesting to see the slight changes.

11) Superman: The Animated Series

If you have read any of my other articles you know how I feel about Superman as a character (the reason this series is so high on my list); however, it can't be ignored that this series had some really great points. We got to see The Flash race against Superman, Kyle Rayner get discovered as Green Lantern, the inevitable (but still awesome) Batman team up, and a mind controlled Superman dictatorship. Plenty of good points to make this series well worth being on here (even with the source material as a handicap).

10) Superfriends

Can't fault a classic. Simply on here for being the first. It was good, old, campy fun. It can still provide entertainment but more in a nostalgic "I can't believe this is how it was" kind of way.

9) X-Men Evolution

I fresh take on the X-Men series, putting most of our heroes in high school. We don't get the classic Logan, Scott, Jean love triangle, or any of the old arcs; but it is a refreshing take on an old series. The animation style was nicely done, and the story line still held a point of interest for most fans. The voice acting was handled well, and the series never really lost focus.

8) Spider-man

The most canon Spider-Man series I can think of, and it even incorporated Spidey with other superheroes in the Marvel universe. We saw him team up with everyone from Blade to Doctor Strange, and even got to see him with all the greats in the "Secret Wars" episodes. I may not like Spider-man as a whole (I think there is just too much angst in one arachnid shaped package), but this series at least held my interest through its entire life span.

7) Batman Beyond

The birth of one of my favorite DC animated movies "Return of the Joker" this series didn't receive enough credit during its lifetime. Speaking just about the movie, I got to see one of DC's darkest story arcs come to life in animation. The rest of the series held up to the great achievement built by the movie. Kevin Conroy almost makes a better old man Bruce Wayne than he did an original Batman, and the rest of the voice actors were brilliantly cast (as always with WB animation). Some episodes were fun without losing their edge, and others were edgy without losing their sense of humor. A brilliant series, that was ended to abruptly.

6) X-Men

The second most known animated theme song by geeks world wide (the first being number one on this list). This series was almost parallel to the Spider-Man series in every way, except with more interesting characters. We got to see great story arcs that took us to the future, then swung us around to fighting dinosaurs. We got to see the trials of dealing with sentinel issues, and the joy of certain characters finally tying the knot. Much like "Spider-man" this was the most cannon series I have seen for X-Men to date. Give it a look see before the newest movie ("Days of Future Past") comes out. If anything, it should give you a better understanding of the coming story line.

5) Young Justice

This series being cancelled was a travesty. The story arcs were brilliant, the cast was amazing, the characters were interesting and fun. I wish I could have gotten more time with it, and I wish (even more) that it didn't end on a cliffhanger. If I got to see more of this show, it might have actually been a lot higher on the list; but since we only got two seasons worth of enjoyment here I sit again. Disappointed and wanting. There are talks of a third season, but right now all we know is that we won't be getting a new season anytime soon.

4) Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes

Another short lived series, but at least (it seems) we got more closure from the ending. This is the most recent series that proves Marvel can do animation. DC still does animation better, but I guess I wouldn't take that to heart if I was Marvel (sitting on the billions from "The Avengers"). We got to see a Skrull invasion (finally), we got to see character relationships building, and we got a little more light shown on characters that haven't had a movie yet. The music for the opening may be annoying, but at least the rest of the series delivered entertainment.

3) Teen Titans

The greatest incarnation of kid superheros to date. Lasting five seasons this series still has fans begging for more. Tara Strong is one of my favorite voice actors, and the rest of cast was perfect (again as always, thank you Andrea Romano). Each season tried to out do the last, the fourth trying to go darker than the third, the fifth trying to finish everything off with a bang. The only grievance I ever held towards this show was the last episode. It should have been the episode before, ending with all of the kid heroes ready to attack Dr. Light; instead, it ended on a Tara episode. Nothing against Tara (she was an interesting character), it's just the biggest reason why the fans wanted more from the series. It left to many questions to be answered.

2) Justice League

This series came very close to being perfect. The only thing that kept this series from being perfect was the campy fifth season. Phil LaMarr remains my favorite voice actor, and played the most interesting Green Lantern to date (John Stewart just has more depth than any of the others). The rest of the voices were brilliant, and stand as the shining example of what these characters should sound like. The animation was outstanding, and the story's were flawless. They gave us one thing that most the other series here never really did. Anticipation. I couldn't wait to find out about Cadmus, and all of their plans; the fact that it took so long to get there just made the delivery that much better.

1) Batman: The Animated Series

This series is THE series all animation should try to become. I know the world is going on this big Batman kick right now, but this series has stood the test of time. Whenever I think of Batman's voice Kevin Conroy is the person that comes to mind. Whenever I think of the Joker's voice (or Star Wars) Mark Hamill comes to mind. When ever I think of a perfect cartoon, this series beams a bat signal in to my brain. This has spawned so many amazing works from the geek community, most recently a brilliant podcast that goes into the psychology of the series called "The Arkham Sessions." The winner of countless awards, and praise from comic readers/cartoon critics alike. There hasn't been a series to date that has captured the exact formula that made this series so good, but I hope one day there might be a series that can make lightning strike twice.

Honorable Mention) Batman The Brave and the Bold

I have to respect a self-aware series. I am specifically talking about the episode featuring Bat-mite. "Legends of the Dark-Mite!" Season 1, Episode 19

My Most Anticipated 2014 movies

Hello again loyal readers, and welcome to another edition of Dustin's Dirty Dozen. It has been a while since I have done a list, but I realized that I never made a list for the movies I am most excited for in the 2014 year. I know it is a little late but the only other thing that would have made the list (that has already come out) was "The Lego Movie." So, let's get hyped for what is to come in the year.

12) The Boxtrolls

This movie is another in the long line of claymation, stop motion pictures that have come out over the years. From the same company that brought us the amazing "Paranorman" and the underrated "Coraline," we are given another fantasy romp filled with months upon years of carefully created characters. I like that in the age of CGI and 3D I can still be excited for an art style that is considered "dated" (more or less).

11) Transcendence

"Ghost in the Machine" as played by Johnny Depp.... I think I said enough there. I can only hope that Johnny Depp has no creative authority in this. If he did I guess that the main character would have some sort of hat on. Nothing against his acting (except that it has become stagnant lately), but his creative input has been known to drag down movies.

10) Muppets: Most Wanted

If this is anything like the first movie I know that I will be rolling on the ground laughing. The Muppets have never disappointed me; from their time in Manhattan, to them sailing around on Pirate ships I have loved every part of The Muppets. This newest installment seems to derive (in some small part) off of "The Great Muppet Caper," and if that is true at all we can all look forward to seeing a great movie.

9) Maleficent

Seeing Angelina Jolie in her costume already makes me excited to see this movie. Even more than that, I know I can expect a good story line. Any time I get to see a classic story told from the perspective of the villain my ears perk up, then we see how much attention to detail went into the character creation/set, and we have my hopes at a skyrocketing high.

8) Godzilla

This is your chance America. This is your chance to prove that you know how to make a Godzilla movie. Please no cameos from Matthew Broderick, or any of the original cast from your first, horrible attempt. The audience will just be pissed off that you reminded them of that failure. I don't know how HALO jumpers stand a chance against a monster as big as a skyscraper, but your preview has me intrigued. 

7) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

I wouldn't say I am a huge TMNT fan. I followed the old series, read some of the comic books, and had some of the toys. I never got into the newer series, but I loved the old movies. With an interesting cast of William Fichtner as The Shredder (Good), Danny Woodburn as Splinter (Interesting), Megan Fox as April O' Neal (that is a bad), and no mention of Casey Jones (one of my favorite characters, so another bad). My feelings on this are up and down.

6) The Hobbit: There and Back Again

It is the final installment of the series, who wouldn't be excited for this? Unless you are one of those weird people that isn't into "Lord of the Rings." The last movie left us on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I am pretty confident that Peter Jackson can't drum up any other Lord of the Rings movies after this, so we finally get to conclude the series.

5) X-Men: Days of Future Past

When I first saw the trailer for this, my body tingled. Ever since that moment, I have seen the preview many more times, and I get the same reaction. We are finally being introduced to Bolivar Trask, which means we might get to see some legitimate Sentinel fighting. We get to see the cast from "X-Men: First Class" meet the original cast, which is an extremely promising concept. I cannot wait to see Ian McKellan talk to his past self Michael Fassbender, and Patick Stewart talk to his past self James McAvoy. I just keep thinking of the side conversations between the actors like "look at how this is done, boy."

  

4) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

With the major success of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," I can't not be excited to see what happens in the sequel. This seems to be when the apes actually take over the world, so I don't know if we will be treated to another rendition of the "YOU DAMN DIRTY APES!" line, but it certainly looks like another amazing movie.

3) Guardians of the Galaxy

Before you ask. Yes, this is (in some part) due to having finally been treated to the trailer for this movie. I did like "The Guardians of the Galaxy" comic book, but the idea of a movie seemed like they were reaching. Then I saw awesome scenes with Rocket Raccoon shooting a bunch of people, and my uneasiness was put to bed. Seriously, I don't know how they did it, but Rocket looks like one of the most badass characters Marvel has had. He is a talking raccoon, with a sentient tree as a traveling buddy. How did they make him seem so amazing?

2) Captain America: Winter Soldier

If you are not completely and utterly thrilled when you watch the trailer for the new Captain America movie, there is something wrong with you. This concept will make the hairs on anybody stand on end. I don't care if you are not a Captain America fan, this is being a fan of anything that has to do with action or comic books.

1) Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

I have been waiting for this movie for what seems like an eternity. This sequel has taken almost ten years to come to fruition, and finally the fans of the original are rewarded for their patience. We have a date, we have a cast, Frank Miller is still directing along side Robert Rodriguez, all we need now (to cement it) is a trailer. Whatever movie gods are out there need to give us one soon.

Honorable Mention) Gone Girl

David Fincher. A book I have never heard of, and David Fincher. Should be an instant classic, just like the rest of his work.