The Inhumans
Family Business
by Phil Perich for the Capes and Lunatics Blog
The first two episodes of the Inhumans TV series premiered this weekend as an IMAX “movie”. Early internet chatter after the trailers were released were not good, with fans complaining about the effects, wardrobe, and storyline. I took my son to the theater to see it today and I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised. While not a big budget movie, Inhumans certainly looked the part, filmed in IMAX. Many of the characters and plot points that fans thought would hurt this series are actually strengths. WARNING: Spoilers Ahead!!!
Black Bolt
While many fans, including one or two of my cohosts, thought the actor Anson Mount would just look silly “making faces” as the Inhumans king and leader Black Bolt. Black Bolt’s power is in his voice, his smallest whisper can shatter walls or throw cars as seen in this premiere. Mount pulls off a regal barring that befits a king and also expertly portrays the tragedy of his life as a flashback reveals that Black Bolt accidentally killed his parents after he first received his powers,.
Medusa
And what more could a mute, powerful king ask for than a strong, kick butt queen portrayed by Serinda Swan who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks (or whatever they have in Attilan)? Even when Medusa has her head shaved and is almost taken prisoner, she proves it’s not just her hair that makes her dangerous. And as much as this presentation revealed it also left the audience with more questions, such as what is the mysterious history that Medusa and Black Bolt’s brother Maximus share?
Maximus
And what tale of heroes would be complete without an equally powerful and intriguing villain. While the brother of Black Bolt has no powers of his own, even other Inhumans look down on him for lacking special abilities, you can just see it in his eyes that Maximus has a hidden agenda. And when the rest of the royal family flees to Earth to avoid capture by him, other than ordering their return or death Maximus seemingly is looking out for his people. Those like Maximus who do not exhibit powers are sent to the mines beneath Attilan (althought what they’re mining on the moon I don't know). Maximus then claims he will free all the citizens of Attilan. But are these just the claims of a dictator in the making?
Royal Family
All the Royal Family members of the Inhumans are portrayed and cast great. From Medusa’s sister Crystal, to Karnak who can see the weakness in all things, Gorgon the warrior and chief of the royal guard. Triton has a quick scene in the beginning that is short but still well acted. And even Lockjaw, Crystal’s giant dog with the powers of teleportation comes off believable even thought many feared bad CGI effects.
So in my final analysis I think so far the Inhumans deserves a grade of B. There could've been a little more action but it left more wanting more, both probably signs that this was only two episodes of an eight epiosde season, the latter giving me hope for more. Did YOU see the IMAX presentation? what did you think? Either way what do YOU want to see from this series? Let me know!
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You can hear me discussing all things TV, movie, comics, music, gaming and more every week with my friends on the Capes and Lunatics Podcast. You can find my podcast, blog and those of others at www.southgatemediagroup.com. You can also find all my creative endeavors at www.philperich.wordpress.com.