The Amazing Spider-Man

Scale of 1 to 10: Web slinging tights wearing chief-daughter dating Orphan

*Comic to movie adaptations are hard. You have to please the comic book fanboys who have been supporting the story since it was first written, and you have to please people who have no idea the backstory but love the movies. 

Short story: A fantastic reboot that deserves to be thought of without remembering the previous trilogy.

Long story: I am not sure if they were waiting for enough time to pass for people to push the last horrendous attempt made in Spider-Man 3, but I know I repressed that about 10 minutes after I left the theater. Now, I know that there have been plenty of pieces written on the third movie, and eventually, when I feel like ranting, I will write a review for that movie. But this is not that piece. Here is the truth: The Amazing Spider-Man is a fantastic movie. Starting out early in Peter Parker’s life and slinging us through the death of Uncle Ben and the beginning of his crime fighting career, this movie moves fast, and in several decisions, reverts to the original storyline of Spider-Man. My favorite tribute to the comics is the respectful representation given to Gwen Stacy. For those non-comic book readers out there, No, Mary-Jane was not Peter Parker’s first love. The original trilogy and the final movie in that set may leave you confused, mainly because Gwen is portrayed as a fling and kind of a bimbo. Before there was Mary-Jane, there was Gwen Stacy, daughter of the police chief. It isn’t an exact tribute, but for a film adaptation, it is pretty true to the origin. Honestly, I could go on and on about this movie. Maybe I'll write a longer piece on it later.

Upsides: The acting in this film is superb. Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Martin Sheen, Dennis Leary, and Rhys Ifans are fantastic together. The subtle humor that each brings to the film while still keeping the tone serious and still bringing the aura of danger to the story is a great representation of the comics.

Downsides: This is tough because of how much I like this movie, but I have a disappointment with this movie. I hate it when I watch a movie and love it (the characters, the plot, the action, the villain even) and then get to the end, and it goes out on a line that doesn’t fit with who I thought they were making the character out to be. Peter Parker’s final line in the movie left me disappointed. I don’t want to recreate it here because I hate spoilers. This was my one downside to the movie.

Final Word: This movie is great. Its closeness to the original storyline and its fantastic acting give it a refreshing look that we all needed for Spider-Man. Go See It.

The Punisher (2004)

Scale of 1 to 10: Gun toting skull wearing car driving mobster killing Maniac

Short story: A great credit to the comic origin while reaching non-comic reading viewers.

Long story: By far, this is my favorite Punisher film. Whenever you get multiple movies made centered around the same character, each one is going to have elements that you love. A couple of elements in this version of Frank Castle's story that I love are the incorporation of Joan, Dave, and Bumpo, his neighbors in his apartment building. I also love the fight scene with Russian. Whenever a hero faces a "juggernaut" character, I get excited. Mainly because it means a long fight scene, and one where the hero needs to use some brains, not just brawn. For those of you who don't read the comics, Castle's story goes like this: His family is killed and he becomes a maniac vigilante, bringing evil men to justice.

Upsides: The movie isn't just a showcase of killings. There is a level of back story and preparation that makes the story more than just a few inches deep. It is also very easy for non-comic fans to follow the story line without needing really any background in the comics

Downsides: The movie is about a man who is an expert in killing people. Being that the movie was produced in the early 2000's, the violence is relatively mild compared to the later version of The Punisher. If violence bothers you, don't watch the movie. Another downside, for me at least, is the way it strays from the origin storyline. The origin the movie provides is still very well done, but I tend to be a purist in comic book movies, especially when it comes to origins.

Final Word: If you like vigilante movies, this is a must see. And if you like The Punisher, I recommend watching this before any of the other Punisher movies out there, of which, there are two. Go See It.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Scale of 1 to 10: Ax wielding vampire killing beard growing slave freeing President

Short story: Definitely worth watching.

Long story: Wow. I was surprised at how much I liked Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. I rented it thinking it might be fun to watch, see how good it is, that kind of thing. I am so glad I gave it a chance. If you have read the book, from what I understand after talking to someone who loved the book, the movie makes some clear breaks from the book. For those who haven't read the book, here is the low down: Abraham Lincoln has a chip on his shoulder against vampires due to a childhood encounter that destroys his family. From that point on, every significant event in his life stays consistent with history as to the what. But the how and why is explained through... vampires. Enter a severely awesome ax wielding president.

Upsides: Great effects and cinematography. This angle of this famous president is both hilariously refreshing and darkly frightening. The fight scenes are well done and well spaced in the movie: it doesn't feel tacked on at the end or too heavy handed.

Downsides: If you don't like graphic fighting, don't watch it. It is rated R for violence, so don't go see it if decapitated vampires and civil war battles make you squirm.

Final Word: Don't go into it looking for a mature respectful look at a great president. This one isn't going to shed new light on the issue of racism or prejudice and it doesn't try to. If you go see, see it for what it was meant to be seen: a fantastical What if? And by all means, Go See It.

The Superhero Inside

I grew up loving Marvel comics. Spider-Man, Thor, Captain America, the Hulk, Black Panther, Wolverine... you choose, I love them. Except for Iron Man, not as big a fan of him. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the comic story lines and the background of most of the heroes. So, this year, when I finally completed my Marvel Movie collection, I was ecstatic. This collection contains all Marvel movies produced to date. From my most recent acquisition of The Punisher (1989) all the way up to the most recently produced The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), I anxiously await this upcoming year when Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 appear on screen and takes us further down the road to Avengers 2.

That being said, Superhero movies are my favorite kind of movie. While I am not a fan of the DC comics or their heroes, I love almost every Superhero movie. So, a lot of reviews on this blog will be of Superhero movies. Or, let me rephrase... if there is a Superhero movie out there, it will probably  be found in a review here eventually.

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So, I love movies. Love them. Almost exclusively. Adventure, Comedy, Romantic, Drama, Suspense... However, not Horror. Almost never do I like Horror. And I usually have opinions about the movies I watch and people often ask me, "What did you think of that movie?"

So I figured, I like movies - scratch that, LOVE movies - and love letting people know what movies are worth seeing and why... why not do that through a blog for those who are online looking for help knowing what is worth seeing.

With no further ado...