The Amazing Spider-man Review 2012

"What? a Spider-man re-boot?...but but..."

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.

7.5/10

The Avengers Review 2012

The Avengers finally assemble on the orders of Nick Fury!

There was no secret of the highly populated cast in the lead up to the Avengers, taking into account the hype since the release of Iron Man in 2008. The success of Iron man was followed by a sequel in 2010. Fans of the Super Hero franchise where greeted with the release of two more comic book movies, Thor and Captain America. The question was, could the Avengers succeed as a whole?

Nick Fury (Jackson) recruits Iron Man (Downey Jr), Thor (Hemsworth), and Captain America (Evans) as well as newcomer Mark Ruffalo as the HULK! The super group also consists of two newbies to the big screen, Black Widow is played Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye (The next Bourne?)

The world is under threat following the arrival of Loki, a citizen of Asgard, another Universe. (Thor 2011). Loki is the brother of Thor, although both would agree the distance between them is not exaggerated. It is Loki's attack on S.H.I.E.L.D that leads to a crucial decision by Nick Fury, leader of the affiliation. The desperate attempt involves regrouping something stronger than Loki and his army of Cohorts, The Avengers!

The movie has a nice feel to it with a brilliant intro of what's to come. Those who have not seen previous movies won't suffer too much but it does consist of some flashbacks regarding Captain America.

The storyline is put together smartly and manages to keep the balance in relation to the numerous egos on board. As Loki is the one at large it feels the story is based off of Thor but does well in blending all characters. As always, Robert Downey shows class as the arrogant, yet hilarious Tony Stark and the ever so cheesy Captain America (Evans). Fans will enjoy the rivalry between both Captain America and Iron man, as personalities quickly collide before they realise the moral of the story is team-work.

 The return of Loki was a great choice as he made for a terrific bad-guy in Thor and the collision between family is still fun to watch. Although Loki seemed a handful in the release of Thor in 2010, Nick Fury and the Avengers get caught completely off guard with Loki and his mind boggling army!

The introduction of a third Bruce Banner is, unfortunately frustrating for some. But when the Hulk is transformed, nobody notices. Yes, a third. Mark Ruffalo plays the man with the temper. Following Eric Bana and Edward Norton (My favourite by the way), Mark Ruffalo as Dr Banner had a challenge on his hands. Is there information on why Edward Norton was not included instead? I believe if he was, performance on the bases of acting would have been better than Mark Ruffalo. But just like I said, in relation to the Avengers, fans just want to see the Hulk tear people, buildings and valuable things apart! and that is just what he does! My favourite was Bruce Banner...when he was green.

My knowledge in Marvel limits, but I wonder what fans made of Hawk-eye and Black Widow? Both characters, like the rest were highly entertaining. Jeremy Renner is leading an exciting future and Scarlett Johansson...well, just do what you do best!... Not forgetting Samuel Jackson, even though he has been forgettable in the past. He gives fans an enjoyable performance, curse free. Mr Jackson just needs to choose his movies carefully in my opinion. He has been in some woeful movies lately.

The action and CGI makes the Avengers what it is. In comparison to Captain America (Which I despised) and even the previous CGI Hulk, this blows them out of the water. You noticed I excluded Both the Iron Man and Thor movies, the Avengers is still early release and is yet to be decided, in my opinion.

The Avengers is up there with the greatest super hero movies ever made. Audience from generations will enjoy the Avengers. Whether you are unfortunate to see this movie in 3D or stay classy with 2D, one must see immediately!

The Exciting question for the future is, What is next to come? Well we know Iron Man 3 and a Thor sequel is in writing. Unfortunately Captain America also, and possibly a new Bruce Banner? who knows. In relation to an Avengers Sequel? now that's getting carried away!

9/10

Mission Impossible:Ghost Protocol Review 2011

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible 4. The Fourth instalment, Ghost Protocol, sees the fall of the IMF organisation as Ethan seeks to recruit a team of experts to help prevent the launch of nuclear weapons from a Russian Terrorist.

The movie's plot begins with the bombing of the Kremlin in Russia were a Russian source pin-points America's IMF organisation as prime suspects. In a desperate bid to start a war between the two countries, Ethan (Cruise) as well as his boss feel it is best the IMF is abolished but sheds light on an opportunity for Ethan and a hand -picked crew to investigate and prevent further assaults from the Russian terrorist.

The cast in MI4 is a delight. As always, Ethan is accompanied by Benji (Simon Pegg) who is back to his old tricks as there is nothing standing in the way when he is involved. New to the series is Jeremy Renner who we know from Ben Affleck's The Town. Jeremy plays Brandt, a so called observer in the IMF. There is more than meets the eye with Brandt as he is a smart character but brings a lot of negativity to the crew. What would a Mission Impossible movie be without the hot female? Introducing Jane, played by Paula Patton. This is a woman that cannot be messed with! Delicate looks can be deceiving as she does more ass kicking in this movie than any other in the franchise.

Ghost Protocol is no hit and miss. This was a quality movie. In fact I believe the best in the series so far. (I say so far because Ethan will be back...I think). The action sequences were the best I have seen in a long time. MI4 avoids your typical blockbuster make no sense type a flick, this was a genuine entertaining film. We all dowelled on the Original Mission Impossible for so long, but now people will be surprised they might actually find Ghost Protocol the best of the bunch.

Certain Scenes like When Ethan is scales the Tallest Building in Dubai. Okay we all seen clips in the trailer previous, but that part in the movie was extraordinary! The whole time through that scene my mind was racing with the fact Tom Cruise performed that particular stunt? and the rest! Absolutely brilliant. There is a scene not long after when a massive sandstorm covers the area as Ethan is caught up in a game a cat and mouse.

Overall a fantastic movie. We might all agree on one thing, the fact that Mission Impossible 2 wasn't too bad and MI3 took the biscuit a bit. Mission Impossible:Ghost Protocol is a quality return to what we will always remember Tom Cruise as...Ethan Hunt! (and roll the spy tune....)