Excuse the language but holy shit have you seen the latest Spiderman trailer? Following the Electro advertised teaser we all saw a few months back, the official trailer is here and my god it makes me think why I would ever wish Marvel to go on holiday for a while...okay The Avengers was something special); as was The Amazing Spiderman (2012).
I am going to go out on a limb here and say, and while it is still early days, this might be the best Marvel superhero blockbuster since The Avengers (2012).
Yes folks, even after its release the majority of fans in terms of Spider-man and movies in general still cannot believe their eyes! 10 years since Sam Raimi created the big screen synopsis of Peter Parker/Spider man, Marc Webb takes a crack of the whip. (Webb? how convenient)
Webb, who brought us a delightful flick in 500 Days of summer back in 2009, opens up a new path in the spider-man saga. Not necessarily a new concept in terms of Peter Parker's origin, but an attractive cast and the possibility of a breath-taking plot in relation to the mysterious disappearance of Peter's parents.
Peter (Andrew Garfield) is your typical quirky high-school lonesome who in some way seems geeky through the eyes of the students around him. His geeky character is a disguise for his genius knowledge in synthetic biology. We see previously the distraught and realism to come as we witness numerous flashbacks of the brief child-hood Peter shared with his parents. The next of kin in his eyes is now his uncle and best friend Ben...as in uncle Ben! (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field).
Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) is the attractive sweet heart. An intern in Peter's school, her genuine personality and kind hearted likeness quickly lures Peter to her feet. Peter is obviously the underrated photographer and grows in time as we well know. He uses Gwen as an excuse to use his camera as we see his persona shine whenever she is present. There is huge difference in chemistry in terms of Parker's previous on-screen love Mary-Jane. There is no fight here, it is immediate love and proves a pleasure to endure romance at its realist.
As the path to Spider-man is played out (longer than expected might I add), a serious lack of information on his parents disappearance leads Peter on a hot trail which results in a convenient connection with Oscorp. The genetics empire is run by Dr Connors (Rhys Ifans), a one armed genius who is destined to change the way of the living world in terms of animal biology and other weird scientific nonsense to be blunt! It is not the knowledge of Connors that attracts Parker and the audience, it is the convenient relation between Peters father and Connors himself.
Then happens the birth we have all grown to know and love. Peter is curious to speak to Connors and gets himself into Oscorp along with a group of other folks absorbing the De-tour. Curiosity killed the cat they say, In Peters case it just got him bitten by a nasty spider resulting in eh'... SPIDER-MAN!
So a montage of sequences show us the freaky results of Peters incident, giving him some amazing abilities including the ability to scale walls, fine awareness (Spider-sense) and a beast in the owl fighting techniques. I never quite got that to be fair, how does this result him being a top-class fighter? anyway, that's the case. A new life awaits the soon to be "Friendly neighbour hoo ah forget it!
Sam Webb's Spider-man provides a new contrast but in small parts. Obviously the introduction to any Spider-man origin is the incident that creates the hero, but it is what follows that can make a significant difference in relation to Sam Raimi's take on the web-slinger. Spidey's villain is Dr Connors' eventual transformation, the Lizard. On all accounts, and honesty, I was not pushed on what was revealed in trailers in terms of the lizard concept. It turns out I was wrong, he looked quality and could possible be CGI at its best. A fine result of the gruelling abilities and vicious mind-set that is revealed when the Lizard prowls the streets and sewers. Rhys Ifans is a tremendous actor with a fine career. His inclusion was always going to mark a good result whether Webb's portrayal was a success or not.
The audience will enjoy the all-round cast but in fairness, Martin Sheen played a typical uncle Ben and Field's Aunt May could never fail. It was easy work supplied by qualified acting. I believe the controversy following this re-boot is the copy-cat sequences in terms of it's predecessor. By all means not by myself but the real critics of course! This review is not a comparison, more of a recommendation to the fans of the franchise to see this re-boot.
Andrew Garfield is a perfect fit for the red and blue spandex, just like when Tobey Maguire was back in 2002. The difference? Not much, well, age and maybe the ability to bring some seriousness to the franchise. I know Spider-Man 3 (2007) was not Tobey's fault but The Amazing Spider-man brings something new to the table in terms of darkness, drama and a much needed birth of new romance. The action scenes are quite brilliant also taking into account the 3D sequences that are unexpectedly fantastic and highly memorable. (Dam it, I kind of compared just there, didn't I?). The suit is beautiful and easy on the eye even though Webb pushed for a darker contrast. The web slinging and overall situations Spidey gets into makes this the best movie I have seen in 3D so far. (And I hate 3D!)
Bear in mind folks there are weaknesses to this re-boot. I am not talking "needle in a haystack" stuff I will leave that for the "Spidey fanatics". The plot is far from convincing. You are lead to believe Peter Parker's curiosity into his parents disappearance will lead to an exciting investigation and overall climax. As exciting and entertaining the two hours were, I felt let down as I was forced to settle for high expectations in terms of a sequel. (A recently released statement admitted a trilogy by the way). There is an explanation that awaits the audience, one that in my opinion should have been settled a lot sooner.
My advice on the Amazing Spider-man is see it at once and enjoy it for what it is. Although It has only been 10 years, embrace and admire the new era of Spidey that Mr Webb is attempting to throw at us. As repetitive as some scenes might be, and a minor let-down does not take away the fact that the Amazing Spider-man was hugely entertaining with a tremendous acting performance from both Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.
Overall: A slightly fresh and enjoyable movie with a memorable performance from Garfield.
2011 was a pretty average year for movies. The big screen supplied us with more stinkers than greats! In my last post I listed the top 5 movies of 2011...in my opinion of course...although I was confident most would agree. :)
2012 looks promising. The following is a brief list of 10 exciting movies...and one to AVOID!
Enjoy.
Safe House
Starring: Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds.
Plot: Rookie CIA officer Reynolds is giving the ultimate task when former CIA officer gone fugitive Washington, is captured and taken into a "Safe house". The objective seems more than a simple protection assignment for Reynolds as it seems the law isn't the only group after Washington.
Reason you should see: Denzel Washington has been hiding lately. We all know his talents, particularly as the bad guy. Safe house looks along the lines of Training Day, which isn't such a bad thing. Also it should be good to see Ryan Reynolds play a more serious role...something he couldn't even do in Blade 3. (although it would be unfair to blame the crisis in that movie on one actor alone!)
I do agree in some trailers being awfully deceiving...in this case, I fail to agree.
Released Date: February
Rampart
Starring: Woody Harrelson
Plot: Harrelson plays Dave, a Vietnam vet and current police officer. Dave is as corrupt as they come. Patrolling the streets and dedicating himself to what he believes, is self justice. Dave continues to bend the rules until an incident is caught on camera of him assaulting a bystander.
Why you should see: Woody Harrelson, unfortunately isn't known for appearing in great movies. Sure, the Money train, Kingpin and White men can't jump were fun at the time? But they ain't no classics! Rampart is sure to give Woody the acting credits he deserves. We had "Bad lieutenant" with Nicolas Cage not too long ago but Woody Harrelson as corrupt Dave is going to blow Nicolas cage out of the water, not only for acting, but the overall movie it self.
Release Date: February 10th
The Dark Knight Rises
Starring: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Michael Cain and Gary Oldman
Plot: 8 years have gone by, and Bruce Wayne and Gotham city face bigger problems upon the arrival of one of Batman's most feared enemies... Bane!
Reason you should see: If the trailer isn't a good enough reason for you too see, try sitting down and watching Christopher Nolan's previous work in this fantastic Batman trilogy!
Release Date: July 2012
Project X
Starring: Oliver Cooper, Jonathan Daniel Brown and Thomas Mann
Plot: 3 high school friends organise an off the hook birthday party to make a name for themselves leading to extraordinary events!
Reason you should see: Well, for the first time, the viewer might actually enjoy a documentary style movie and it is another hilarious comedy from the genius's behind the hangover. A very original looking movie, and once again, to brush off the documentary concept? it's safe to say it's monster free...and ghost if you like.
Release Date:March 2nd 2012
Prometheus
Starring: Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace and Patrick Wilson
Plot: A group of explores find themselves fighting to save the human race...(and themselves of course) after finding an exciting lead into the origins of mankind, leaving them into a terrifying battle across the universe!
Reason you should see: What started out as an "Alien" prequel was quickly squashed. But never the less, Ridley Scott makes this trailer look big....bigger than big! In fact, remember the first "Alien" trailer? of course you do. Prometheus has nostalgic written all over it. Epic.
Release date:June 2012
The Amazing Spiderman
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans
Plot: Peter Parker finds a clue to which he believes can lead him to the disappearance of his parents. His curious path See's him collide with, what could be Spidermans' next arch enemy, Dr. Connors.
Reason you should see: Being a Spiderman fan would a be a pretty darn obvious reason to see this remake, but also, I for one, and I am sure many will cancel plans to see if the spiderman franchise needed to be remade? hmm...one things for sure, the trailer is deliciously convincing.
Release Date: Summer 2012
Tim and Eric's Billion Dollar Movie
Starring: Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim
Plot: Tim and Eric are two odd balls who receive a hefty loan of a billion dollars to make what they believe is going to be an epic movie. Their plan quickly goes down the drain, leaving both of them promoting a dying shopping mall to pay back the money.
Reason you should see: Because the trailer looks hilarious and very original. The last time I seen something look this ridiculous was Clerks, and Jay and Silent Bob strikes Back. I don't know if I should be aware of the two actors? anyway who cares. It's getting a good build up so far, so fingers crossed, it could be the comedy to see this summer.
Release Date: Summer 2012
Chimpanzee
Starring:.....
Plot: For the first time, cameras capture the life of a Chimpanzee family, focusing on a young chimp in particular, who eventually gets left behind to fend for himself in the Ugandan Rain forest.
Reason you should see: No doubt the documentary to see this summer.
Release Date: Summer 2012
Titanic 3D
Starring: Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet
Plot: A true story covering the tragic events of the Titanic disaster and a love story surrounding it.
Reason you should see: Well one, if you have not seen already, and two to get a chance to see what could be, one of the best attempts at a 3D movie.
Release Date: Summer 2012
The Avengers
Starring: Robert Downy Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johannson etc...
Plot: Finally after the tremendous build up, Nick Fury recruits a group of super humans known as the Avengers, and together they will save the earth. (Very Cartoon dialogue wasn't it?)
Reason you should see: Any fan of Marvel, or if you are just into genuine entertainment? this is for you. This would not be my particular choice of movie, given the fact I sat through "Thor" and "Captain America" last year....but the Hulk and Iron man also star, so hopefully it won't be as cheesey as previous marvel movies. Although I often forget the fact Marvel is now owned by Disney....:(
Release date: USA 4th of May, as for UK and Eire?
And my personal choice on what not to see this year!!!!
