Identifying Bast and Sekhmet in Captain America: Civil War, The Black Panther Movie Lore

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By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Most people who love the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) will have seen Captain America: Civil War by now. While long-time comic book readers may grin at the conversation T’Challa has with Natasha (Black Widow), not everyone is going to understand the reference made about how two Egyptian goddesses figure into his belief system. What he said also reveals a potential story direction for his solo movie. The detail is not that much of a stretch to interpret in the context of this movie either.

As T’Challa explained, “In my culture, death is not the end. It’s more of a stepping-off point. You reach out with both hands, and Bast and Sekhmet, they lead you into the green veld where you can run forever.”

In what I first understood from his statement is that his father’s spirit freely roams the Earth. But there’s a deeper context not many viewers may catch on to. Bastet (her full name) is a peaceful goddess, a divine protector of cats. She represents grace and affection. There is no need for violence unless provoked. She can be used as an instrument of vengeance. In the earliest references to this figure in The Pyramid Texts, she is there to guard, if not protect, the king.

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What do the Three Prints Mean in AMC Theatre’s Captain America: Civil War?

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

AMC Theatres loves giving away collectible posters to reward fans who love seeing their favourite movies multiple times. This American-side chain is offering a set of three posters showing the three groups who will soon be fighting it out in Captain America: Civil War. While this tactic seems to leave other theatre chains in the dust, hopefully these other movie houses will have their own promotional campaigns to reward (comic book) film aficionados.

Matt Ferguson is providing the artwork for this set. Marvel Entertainment aficionados may recognize his style, as he’s provided the layout and design of the home video release box sets of this company’s films. They can be found in the packaging of both the Phase 1 and Phase 2 disc sleeves. His artwork on these multi-disc sets is certainly marvelous. To have one creative mind behind most of this company’s movie line-up is encouraging. On his Twitter page, he reveals how these prints must be arranged. 

In the artwork, one print shows Captain America, Winter Soldier and Scarlet Witch together. Another reveals Iron Man, War Machine and Black Panther. The third piece shows Falcon, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye and Vision. The colours suggest each side’s allegience. Blue is the Captain’s signature colour, red is to symbolize Iron Man’s red suit and the grey represents neither. However, could the arrangement also imply neutrality? Hard to say until the film releases May 4th. To optain these prints, attendees must attend the screenings on May 8, May 15 and May 22.

There’s a Cold War Brewing in Captain America Winter Soldier!

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

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The good thing about the three Captain America movies, Winter Soldier included, is that writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus have a set theme in mind: stand up for liberty and freedom no matter what. Abe Lincoln said it best to Henry Pierce, “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it.”

In this case, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) has to learn just how that rhetoric has changed throughout time. He has to question who has the final authority in a mission or in whose agenda he has to serve. As the plot develops in this movie, he finds that he has to stand up to scrutiny amongst his peers. As to why Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) went to visit him in his apartment to hand off an important key — a hardware device — that can undermine everything that S.H.I.E.L.D. has built itself up for.

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Captain America: Winter Soldier Gets a New Trailer and Analysis!

By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Captain America: Winter Soldier Poster

Captain America: Winter Soldier is going to get more than political in its new take at a look back at the Cold War. The fight will take to the skies with some impressive dogfights with Falcon in the lead if this new trailer is any indication. Yes, that is a spoiler, but anyone who has followed the casting talk and the forums will know who the superheroes are for this upcoming film.

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Just How Many Times Must the Avengers Assemble?

If the movie Iron Man 3 can be ignored and the animated series Avengers Assemble can take its place, then audiences have a perfect cartoon follow-up.

AvengersAssemble2If the movie Iron Man 3 can be ignored and the animated series Avengers Assemble can take its place, then audiences have a perfect cartoon follow-up to the Avengers movie from last year. Some of the important nuances Joss Whedon’s treatment involved how individualistic each character is. And to try to get them to act as a team is part of what made the film great. The team didn’t work until when it counted the most.

This series has plenty of potential if it gets steered in the right direction. When considering that this series is developed to broadcast on Disney XD, the question of just how complex will the narrative get will depend on who is in charge of leading the Avengers. The pilot episode sets up Tony Stark (voiced by Adrian Pasdar) as a whipping boy. He is the billionaire playboy who thinks he can lead a team. But can he?

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