****
Dir. Christopher Nolan
With Batman Begins and The Dark Knight setting such high standards for the nature of superhero films, Christopher Nolan had a great deal to live up to in this third and final installment of his Batman trilogy. With a plot line that will keep viewers fully captivated for all two and a half hours of the movie, The Dark Knight Rises is the epic conclusion fans have been waiting for.
The story takes place exactly eight years after the conclusion of the previous film, in which Gotham City has not seen Batman since the night of Harvey Dent's death. An aging Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has barely stepped outside his manor in all this time, all the while lamenting over his long lost love Rachel Dawes. His state of depression has brought about turmoil for Wayne Enterprises, as the once successful company is on the verge of bankruptcy. Among those concerned for this troubled soul is his good and faithful butler Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), and his business partner and friend Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman).
Although the mafia has ceased to continue in Gotham, an evil far greater than organized crime spells certain doom for Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman); whom, abandoned by his wife and children, must make his stand against the sadistic mercenary known as Bane (Tom Hardy). When the Police realize how unstoppable this madman truly is, the young Captain John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), whom having discovered the Dark Knight's identity long ago, calls upon the crippled old Bruce Wayne to take up the mantle of Batman once more. The Caped Crusader is also introduced to the sly and intriguing Cat Burglar Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), as well as the mysterious and seductive Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard).
Having never faced an enemy as deadly and horrific as this, and being the only one able to save Gotham from this terrorist, Batman must cast all fear aside in order to fulfill the promise he made to his parents all those years ago.
Although the film does have its flaws, nothing terribly significant but present nonetheless, what stands out is the epic components which are so brilliantly executed. Not only does Nolan provide viewers with a series of perfectly implemented twists and turns in the plot, but the manner in which he presents the story produces such a great emotional intrigue. By connecting all the dots and loose ends of the previous films, his work here leaves audiences mesmerized with a deeper understanding of the character's complexities. The only minor spoiler I'll give here is that Ra's al-Ghul (Liam Neeson) does make an appearance, and that the way in which his and Batman's stories are intertwined play a crucial role in the hero's development.
Another great aspect of the film was the performances of Tom Hardy and Anne Hathaway. After the late Heath Ledger's iconic Joker performance in 2008, it was quite a challenge to pick a worthy successor to be this film's antagonist. Hardy's Bane both exemplified the sheer terror which the character possesses, while also bringing to light the depths of his internal conflicts. His Vader-like voice sends chills down one's spine, as it reflects the fear which he instills in his victims. Hathaway's Catwoman also resembled the classic essence of the character, while at the same time she gives her own touch which is fresh and compelling. Her mannerisms and expressions make audiences as entranced by her as Batman.
As far as my criticisms, I did feel there were moments here and there in Christopher and Jonathan Nolan's script that contained some unnatural dialogue. Batman Begins is still my favorite of the three (as well as the best superhero film in my opinion), partly because the script flows so well, and it delves into each component of the hero's journey. Although the meat of this one was fantastic, the mood at the beginning felt a little weird. Then again, this is a very different kind of Batman film, and the stakes are higher than ever here.
The primary graphic novels Nolan used as source material for this one included Knightfall and The Dark Knight Returns, and there were many sequences taken straight from them. Beyond making this series so heavily based on the comics, Nolan has been able to capture the essence of the film noir aspect of the character's story in a much more effective manner than his predecessors.
Few other films of this genre can be compared with this one in terms of making such an emotional impact on viewers across the globe. After seven years of developing this trilogy, Christopher Nolan has redefined the Batman legacy in a way that can never be quite duplicated or surpassed. The Dark Knight Rises is a triumphant epic that will change your very perception of the character of Batman.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Blockbuster Films to Look Forward To
With the 2012 San Diego Comic Con having just concluded, and the release of The Dark Knight Rises just days away, moviegoers have many exciting things to look forward to over the next year. We're now six months away from The Hobbit, a year from the Superman reboot, and Iron Man 3 is currently in production. I thought I'd share my thoughts on these projects and more, and comment on their significance.
From the visionary director of The Lord of the Rings and King Kong, Peter Jackson returns to make The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which will arrive in theatres on December 14. This is a film which countless fans have been waiting years for, based on the beloved novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Starring Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Billy Connolly (Dain Ironfoot), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), and Andy Serkis (Gollum), this prequel to LOTR tells Bilbo's exciting adventure with Gandalf and a band of dwarves, and of how he comes to find the Ring.
With Jackson's previous works being virtually flawless, his innate artistic ability for storytelling makes this picture a guaranteed success. Furthermore, the equally gifted filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy) has collaborated with Jackson on the film's screenplay. At the Comic Con, over twelve minutes of footage were released for viewing pleasure, and fans were quite pleased. I know of at least one character in the film not found in the Tolkien universe, but aside from this there don't seem to be any major liberties from the source material. Either way, the trailer and online footage reveal how visually spectacular this film will be; and I feel that Martin Freeman will really compliment Ian Holm's performance in LOTR, while bringing something fresh and compelling to Bilbo's character.
Another exciting upcoming fantasy film is Oz: The Great and Powerful, set to release next Spring. Director Sam Raimi (The Spider-Man Trilogy) tells the story of the origins of the Wizard himself, portrayed by James Franco, and how he came to the land of Oz. The legendary Oz creator L. Frank Baum wrote over 14 Oz novels and short stories, many which influenced the classic 1939 film and Wicked, both the book and musical.
A trailer for this movie was released just a few days ago, and it reveals the cinematic brilliance and imaginative spirit presented in Raimi's previous films. Producer Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Huntsman) is also a very good choice, as I think his vision will really compliment Raimi's very effectively. Having seen Wicked on Broadway, Oz fans have seen hints of the Wizard's origin, but this film will explore his story in much greater depth. Other cast members include Mila Kunis (Theodora), Rachel Weisz (Evanora), and Michelle Williams (Glinda). So as long as Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire's script proves to be effective, I think this film will be an excellent addition to the Oz legacy.
Now for the Superman reboot, Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen). Now that it's been over 30 years since Richard Donner's classic 1978 film, and Nolan's Batman trilogy is at an end, it's time for DC to return to Krypton, and hopefully open up enough doors for a Justice League movie.
I have a few concerns regarding the cast, but I definitely approve of the production team (even though I wish Nolan was directing). Producers include Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven, and Emma Thomas; and the screenplay is by Nolan and David S. Goyer. This trilogy will be based heavily upon Red Son and The Death of Superman, along with other more modern Superman graphic novels. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Superman For All Seasons is a particular favorite of mine. Snyder says he approached this project as if this was the first Superman film ever made, setting high goals and really seeking to capture the essence of the character's story in a way like never before. Hans Zimmer is also certainly a worthy composer to live up to John Williams' iconic score in the original.
The film will star Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Russell Crowe (Jor-El), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Jadin Gould (Lana Lang), and Michael Shannon (General Zod). While Crowe and Fishburne are great actors, I don't really see them as the characters they're portraying here. Crowe is best in his action hero roles. I'm having trouble envisioning him as the elderly father/mentor figure from another world. And as far as Fishburne playing White, I'm not racist or anything, but I don't see the need in changing a well known character's race. I'd say the same thing if they made John Stewart white in a Green Lantern film. To me, someone like Ed Asner would be a great choice to play White, which he actually did in an animated film. Aside from that, I don't know much about Cavill, but he seems to look the part okay. I kinda wish Brandon Routh hadn't wasted his time with Bryan Singer's Superman Returns, and been available now. Overall, I think this series has a lot of potential so long as Snyder's vision is consistent with that of both fans and everyone at DC.
As far as the sequel to J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, little information is available at this time. Abrams is definitely returning to direct, with screenwriters Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Damon Lindelof; and it is rumored that Khan will be the villain. I've read some of the new comics, which are primarily based on episodes from the original series. With the 2009 film having such an appeal to hard core fans as well as those new to the characters, I have no doubt this film will be just as fantastic.
That's it for now. I look forward to reviewing each of these films, and I will keep my readers updated on all the latest movie news. Until then, Live Long and Prosper my friends.
From the visionary director of The Lord of the Rings and King Kong, Peter Jackson returns to make The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which will arrive in theatres on December 14. This is a film which countless fans have been waiting years for, based on the beloved novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Starring Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman), Billy Connolly (Dain Ironfoot), Richard Armitage (Thorin Oakenshield), and Andy Serkis (Gollum), this prequel to LOTR tells Bilbo's exciting adventure with Gandalf and a band of dwarves, and of how he comes to find the Ring.
With Jackson's previous works being virtually flawless, his innate artistic ability for storytelling makes this picture a guaranteed success. Furthermore, the equally gifted filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy) has collaborated with Jackson on the film's screenplay. At the Comic Con, over twelve minutes of footage were released for viewing pleasure, and fans were quite pleased. I know of at least one character in the film not found in the Tolkien universe, but aside from this there don't seem to be any major liberties from the source material. Either way, the trailer and online footage reveal how visually spectacular this film will be; and I feel that Martin Freeman will really compliment Ian Holm's performance in LOTR, while bringing something fresh and compelling to Bilbo's character.
Another exciting upcoming fantasy film is Oz: The Great and Powerful, set to release next Spring. Director Sam Raimi (The Spider-Man Trilogy) tells the story of the origins of the Wizard himself, portrayed by James Franco, and how he came to the land of Oz. The legendary Oz creator L. Frank Baum wrote over 14 Oz novels and short stories, many which influenced the classic 1939 film and Wicked, both the book and musical.
A trailer for this movie was released just a few days ago, and it reveals the cinematic brilliance and imaginative spirit presented in Raimi's previous films. Producer Joe Roth (Alice in Wonderland, Snow White and the Huntsman) is also a very good choice, as I think his vision will really compliment Raimi's very effectively. Having seen Wicked on Broadway, Oz fans have seen hints of the Wizard's origin, but this film will explore his story in much greater depth. Other cast members include Mila Kunis (Theodora), Rachel Weisz (Evanora), and Michelle Williams (Glinda). So as long as Mitchell Kapner and David Lindsay-Abaire's script proves to be effective, I think this film will be an excellent addition to the Oz legacy.
Now for the Superman reboot, Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen). Now that it's been over 30 years since Richard Donner's classic 1978 film, and Nolan's Batman trilogy is at an end, it's time for DC to return to Krypton, and hopefully open up enough doors for a Justice League movie.
I have a few concerns regarding the cast, but I definitely approve of the production team (even though I wish Nolan was directing). Producers include Christopher Nolan, Charles Roven, and Emma Thomas; and the screenplay is by Nolan and David S. Goyer. This trilogy will be based heavily upon Red Son and The Death of Superman, along with other more modern Superman graphic novels. Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's Superman For All Seasons is a particular favorite of mine. Snyder says he approached this project as if this was the first Superman film ever made, setting high goals and really seeking to capture the essence of the character's story in a way like never before. Hans Zimmer is also certainly a worthy composer to live up to John Williams' iconic score in the original.
The film will star Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Russell Crowe (Jor-El), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Jadin Gould (Lana Lang), and Michael Shannon (General Zod). While Crowe and Fishburne are great actors, I don't really see them as the characters they're portraying here. Crowe is best in his action hero roles. I'm having trouble envisioning him as the elderly father/mentor figure from another world. And as far as Fishburne playing White, I'm not racist or anything, but I don't see the need in changing a well known character's race. I'd say the same thing if they made John Stewart white in a Green Lantern film. To me, someone like Ed Asner would be a great choice to play White, which he actually did in an animated film. Aside from that, I don't know much about Cavill, but he seems to look the part okay. I kinda wish Brandon Routh hadn't wasted his time with Bryan Singer's Superman Returns, and been available now. Overall, I think this series has a lot of potential so long as Snyder's vision is consistent with that of both fans and everyone at DC.
As far as the sequel to J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, little information is available at this time. Abrams is definitely returning to direct, with screenwriters Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Damon Lindelof; and it is rumored that Khan will be the villain. I've read some of the new comics, which are primarily based on episodes from the original series. With the 2009 film having such an appeal to hard core fans as well as those new to the characters, I have no doubt this film will be just as fantastic.
That's it for now. I look forward to reviewing each of these films, and I will keep my readers updated on all the latest movie news. Until then, Live Long and Prosper my friends.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Reflections
Well, I've had quite a lot going on in my life the last few months, so I'd thought I'd reflect on some of the major events, and discuss how they've helped me grow as a writer. In March I went to New York City with my parents to celebrate my high school graduation, and saw "Phantom of the Opera" and "Wicked" on Broadway. I graduated in June, and am now getting ready to study at NC State in the fall.
New York was easily one of the best trips I've ever taken, and I have done a good bit of travelling around the country. We left early Friday morning to see Phantom that night. It was about a nine hour drive, so we arrived at our hotel in Times Square at about 3:00 in the afternoon. The first place we ate at was John's Pizza, a gourmet restaurant that trampled any slice I'd ever had before. Bubba Gump Shrimp was the next best meal, which we had the next day for lunch. I especially liked the Forrest Gump merchandise and trivia they had.
Both shows were indescribable, but I would have to say Phantom was my favorite. Andrew Lloyd Webber's vision is what makes this the longest running show on Broadway. My Dad and I sat in the fifth row, which made it feel like we were a part of the story as we were surrounded by dazzling visual effects. Hugh Panaro portrayed the Phantom, and he was perhaps the best tenor I've ever heard sing. The entire ensemble was fantastic, especially for theatre goers like myself, and I was absolutely mesmerized by the story.
We then saw Wicked the next night. Having at last seen the hit musical, I will now never watch Wizard of Oz the same again. This stirring prequel to the timeless classic has swept audiences everywhere with it's mind-boggling technical aspects and incredible songs. I now find myself listening to the soundtrack almost weekly. From the elaborate costuming and set designs, to the stirring performances, this show has come to set new standards within the world of musical theatre.
We also visited the Wax Museum in Times Square, the M&M store, the Empire State Building, and went to Times Square Church on Palm Sunday. All in all, I couldn't of asked for a better way to celebrate graduation, and the atmosphere was perfect. I remember imagining myself making a movie there as I was looking out the window of a cafe.
Graduation snuck up on all of us, and it was quite difficult saying goodbye to close friends as we thought about all our times together. Nevertheless, I am very excited about NC State, and just had orientation earlier this week. I plan to study English with a concentration in Creative Writing and Film Studies. My ultimate goal is to write and produce movies, but I'd also like to teach and critique. I actually bought a Roger Ebert book while I was in New York which has been very beneficial in terms of my writing. At orientation, I really enjoyed meeting several other Freshmen in my department, as we each shared similar interests. On the second day we registered for 1st semester classes, and I was able to get into both Intro to Film and Studies in Fiction. I am certainly looking forward to my time at the University, and this blog has been a great way for me to practice my skills which will be vital for my career.
I also went to some really cool events at my local Barnes & Noble a few weeks ago. One was a screenwriting group which meets there monthly on Monday nights. There were about eight other people in attendance, and we had a great time exchanging scripts with one another and giving feedback. There was one guy who teaches at Appalachian, who brought a 60 page teleplay for a superhero show he had been working on. This was a really compelling plot line, and I certainly learned a lot in that short amount of time.
The next night I went back for a discussion panel with a group of Science Fiction and Fantasy authors. These included David Drake (Lord of the Isles) and James Maxey (Dragonseed). I had the pleasure of asking them questions and learning about how they approach the craft. Other audience members were equally intrigued, and I am very glad to have made it.
The rest of the summer should be pretty good as well. I'm leaving for Surfside beach next Saturday with my family, and will be doing some work over at Raleigh Little Theatre after that. I'll have just enough time before I leave to do a write-up of Dark Knight Rises as I'm going to the midnight showing.
I have a bit of a health issue to quarrel with over the next few months, as my doctor informed me that I have some mucus within my chest. This means I have to go from one PT session a day to four (each twenty minutes). It's not as serious as it sounds, but when you're physically disabled you can't be too careful. That being said, I spend a lot of time at home reading and writing.
I apologize for this being such a lengthy post, but I thought it appropriate to provide some updates on what's going on in my life since I've now had this blog for a year. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for my future.
New York was easily one of the best trips I've ever taken, and I have done a good bit of travelling around the country. We left early Friday morning to see Phantom that night. It was about a nine hour drive, so we arrived at our hotel in Times Square at about 3:00 in the afternoon. The first place we ate at was John's Pizza, a gourmet restaurant that trampled any slice I'd ever had before. Bubba Gump Shrimp was the next best meal, which we had the next day for lunch. I especially liked the Forrest Gump merchandise and trivia they had.
Both shows were indescribable, but I would have to say Phantom was my favorite. Andrew Lloyd Webber's vision is what makes this the longest running show on Broadway. My Dad and I sat in the fifth row, which made it feel like we were a part of the story as we were surrounded by dazzling visual effects. Hugh Panaro portrayed the Phantom, and he was perhaps the best tenor I've ever heard sing. The entire ensemble was fantastic, especially for theatre goers like myself, and I was absolutely mesmerized by the story.
We then saw Wicked the next night. Having at last seen the hit musical, I will now never watch Wizard of Oz the same again. This stirring prequel to the timeless classic has swept audiences everywhere with it's mind-boggling technical aspects and incredible songs. I now find myself listening to the soundtrack almost weekly. From the elaborate costuming and set designs, to the stirring performances, this show has come to set new standards within the world of musical theatre.
We also visited the Wax Museum in Times Square, the M&M store, the Empire State Building, and went to Times Square Church on Palm Sunday. All in all, I couldn't of asked for a better way to celebrate graduation, and the atmosphere was perfect. I remember imagining myself making a movie there as I was looking out the window of a cafe.
Graduation snuck up on all of us, and it was quite difficult saying goodbye to close friends as we thought about all our times together. Nevertheless, I am very excited about NC State, and just had orientation earlier this week. I plan to study English with a concentration in Creative Writing and Film Studies. My ultimate goal is to write and produce movies, but I'd also like to teach and critique. I actually bought a Roger Ebert book while I was in New York which has been very beneficial in terms of my writing. At orientation, I really enjoyed meeting several other Freshmen in my department, as we each shared similar interests. On the second day we registered for 1st semester classes, and I was able to get into both Intro to Film and Studies in Fiction. I am certainly looking forward to my time at the University, and this blog has been a great way for me to practice my skills which will be vital for my career.
I also went to some really cool events at my local Barnes & Noble a few weeks ago. One was a screenwriting group which meets there monthly on Monday nights. There were about eight other people in attendance, and we had a great time exchanging scripts with one another and giving feedback. There was one guy who teaches at Appalachian, who brought a 60 page teleplay for a superhero show he had been working on. This was a really compelling plot line, and I certainly learned a lot in that short amount of time.
The next night I went back for a discussion panel with a group of Science Fiction and Fantasy authors. These included David Drake (Lord of the Isles) and James Maxey (Dragonseed). I had the pleasure of asking them questions and learning about how they approach the craft. Other audience members were equally intrigued, and I am very glad to have made it.
The rest of the summer should be pretty good as well. I'm leaving for Surfside beach next Saturday with my family, and will be doing some work over at Raleigh Little Theatre after that. I'll have just enough time before I leave to do a write-up of Dark Knight Rises as I'm going to the midnight showing.
I have a bit of a health issue to quarrel with over the next few months, as my doctor informed me that I have some mucus within my chest. This means I have to go from one PT session a day to four (each twenty minutes). It's not as serious as it sounds, but when you're physically disabled you can't be too careful. That being said, I spend a lot of time at home reading and writing.
I apologize for this being such a lengthy post, but I thought it appropriate to provide some updates on what's going on in my life since I've now had this blog for a year. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for my future.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man
****
Dir. Marc Webb
Let me start by saying that I've known about this project for about two years, and was adamantly opposed to it for quite some time. Even though Spider-Man 3 was an abomination, why reboot the franchise when it's barely been a decade since the original? However, having now seen the film I was rather impressed.
Director Marc Webb sheds a different light on the web-slinging superhero than the Sam Raimi version; and I might add one that is more accurate to the original comics. This story opens with the young Peter Parker being abandoned by his parents, and left with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). As a teenager, Peter (Andrew Garfield) suffers from the emotionally unresolved conflicts he carries with him. Seeking to discover the truth about his parents, he gathers every last item in his house he can find; which leads him to his father's former partner Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), who now works for Oscorp. As Connors works on a biogenetic formula designed to enhance human potential, Parker's curiosity leads him to a lab within Oscorp where he is bitten by the radioactive spider which changes his life.
When he first discovers his powers, he uses them for mischief and such, all the while his mind is occupied by the attractive and intelligent Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone), a student of Connors. Yet when Ben Parker is murdered (the sequence is reminiscent of that in the Sam Raimi film, but still different), Peter transforms into the Amazing Spider-Man. As he begins his crime-fighting career, he instantly makes enemies with Gwen's father Police Captain Stacey (Denis Leary), who will stop at nothing to bring the vigilante to justice. Not long after, Connors becomes The Lizard, wreaking havoc upon the streets of New York. Being the only one who can stop this monster, Spider-Man must use every bit of strength within him to prove that his city needs him.
With a very well composed script, and terrific visual effects, this film certainly exceeded my expectations. Webb made excellent use of the lighting and cinematography to produce this dark atmosphere, which reflected the internal conflicts of Peter's character. The pacing was just right, and it was formatted so as to follow the structure of a good epic. Watching the hero progress from a lost and conflicted adolescent to a fearless and noble man was very intriguing. I especially liked how the second to last scene takes place in an English class, where the teacher is lecturing on structuring fiction. Webb used many elements and motifs which broke away from the standard structure for a summer blockbuster. Hence, this was a fresh and compelling plot line with great characterization, and effects which are worthy of comparison to visionaries such as James Cameron and Christopher Nolan.
Dir. Marc Webb
Let me start by saying that I've known about this project for about two years, and was adamantly opposed to it for quite some time. Even though Spider-Man 3 was an abomination, why reboot the franchise when it's barely been a decade since the original? However, having now seen the film I was rather impressed.
Director Marc Webb sheds a different light on the web-slinging superhero than the Sam Raimi version; and I might add one that is more accurate to the original comics. This story opens with the young Peter Parker being abandoned by his parents, and left with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). As a teenager, Peter (Andrew Garfield) suffers from the emotionally unresolved conflicts he carries with him. Seeking to discover the truth about his parents, he gathers every last item in his house he can find; which leads him to his father's former partner Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), who now works for Oscorp. As Connors works on a biogenetic formula designed to enhance human potential, Parker's curiosity leads him to a lab within Oscorp where he is bitten by the radioactive spider which changes his life.
When he first discovers his powers, he uses them for mischief and such, all the while his mind is occupied by the attractive and intelligent Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone), a student of Connors. Yet when Ben Parker is murdered (the sequence is reminiscent of that in the Sam Raimi film, but still different), Peter transforms into the Amazing Spider-Man. As he begins his crime-fighting career, he instantly makes enemies with Gwen's father Police Captain Stacey (Denis Leary), who will stop at nothing to bring the vigilante to justice. Not long after, Connors becomes The Lizard, wreaking havoc upon the streets of New York. Being the only one who can stop this monster, Spider-Man must use every bit of strength within him to prove that his city needs him.
With a very well composed script, and terrific visual effects, this film certainly exceeded my expectations. Webb made excellent use of the lighting and cinematography to produce this dark atmosphere, which reflected the internal conflicts of Peter's character. The pacing was just right, and it was formatted so as to follow the structure of a good epic. Watching the hero progress from a lost and conflicted adolescent to a fearless and noble man was very intriguing. I especially liked how the second to last scene takes place in an English class, where the teacher is lecturing on structuring fiction. Webb used many elements and motifs which broke away from the standard structure for a summer blockbuster. Hence, this was a fresh and compelling plot line with great characterization, and effects which are worthy of comparison to visionaries such as James Cameron and Christopher Nolan.
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