Spider-Man: Homecoming Review

Possible spoilers ahead!

After the airport battle in “Captain America: Civil War,” Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is back Queens, New York,attending high school, and apprehending purse snatchers and other small time criminals. At least now he’s doing so with a little help from a technologically enhanced Spider-Man costume that designed by Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).

Peter i supposed to check in with Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) regularly, but the truth is, Peter’s bores. After the airport battle in Civil War, Peter feels he is more than ready to leave his old life as an ordinary high schooler, and become an official member of the Avengers. But this would also mean leaving behind his neighborhood, friends, and even his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) behind.

Things take a serious turn when some mysterious and extremely powerful alien weapons begin popping up all over the city. Going against Tony Stark’s wishes Peter investigates where the weapons are coming from, and eventually discovers the man behind the weapons is named Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton). Despite the danger involved, Peter sees this as his big chance to prove to Stark that he has what it takes to be an Avenger.

I may be the only hardcore comic book fan out there who has never loved a Spider-Man movie. I find the Sam Raimi unwatchable, and even thought I enjoyed aspects of both Amazing Spider=Man films, I’ve only seen them once. Out of those five movies, the only one I watched more than once was the 2002 original.

But, I’m very happy to say that I’ve finally see a Spider-Man movie that I love, and can’t wait to see again, because “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is everything I could have ever hoped for in a Spider-Man movie and more.

Director Jon Watts did an incredible job in mixing the classic John Hughes high school movies of the 1980s, and modern-day comic book films. The end result is a very funny high school superhero comedy/drama, and perhaps best of all: “Spider-Man: Homecoming” is strong standalone movie set in the MCU. When was the last time we were able to say that?

Tom Holland’s charismatic performance and young age further makes this version of Peter Parker more convincing as a kid who’s in way over his head, compared to any of the character’s previous onscreen versions. The same way Gal Gadot is now and forever Woncer Woman, Tom Holland is now THE Spider-Man, and the best one yet in my opinion.

Homecoming costars are equally likable and believable in their respective roles, especially Jacob Batalon as Peter’s enthusiastically best friend Ned. I thought he would get annoying, but he turned out to be a very likable character. Zendaya was also good as the whip-smart, and somewhat antisocial, Michelle. She even got some of the film’s best one liner’s, but I do wish she had been in it more.

Perhaps the reason for this is because Laura Harrier as the popular yet friendly girl Liz, gets most of the spotlight. I didn’t have any issues with Liz as the love interest, it was actually a nice change of pace seeing Peter Parker fall for someone else. My only problem with the cast was the way the movie portrayed Flash Thompson. It was as if they filmmakers couldn’t decide if they wanted Flash to be a jock, bully, or just a nerd. There were a couple of moments when this took me out of the movie.

Meanwhile, the adult figures in Peter’s life also get moments to shine. Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark only pops in a few times, but each sequence was great. Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May – effectively serves as Peter’s support systems, and I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to see an Aunt May that still enjoys life.

On the villain side of things, I was pleasantly surprised. Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes/Vulture is definitely an upgrade for MCU villains. For once we got a fully developed antagonist, we know who he was, became, and why. Keaton makes Toomes a charming, and compelling character. Even my mother in law said she wanted to root for him.

For me, one of the film’s biggest highlights was Spidey’s new Stark created suit. I thought it fit the story that was being told. But I’m sure some fans will complain some of the suit features probably are over the top, but I personally loved the suit’s A.I which Peter calls Karen. The voice is belongs to Jennifer Connelly, who gave the part some great personality. I hope we hear more of Karen in future movies.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is an excellent addition to the MCU for sure, but what I like best about this movie is that it can stand on its own. Homecoming is one of those movies even casual moviegoers will enjoy. At the end of the day, this is a great high school buddy comedy that just happens to be about Spider-Man, and I for one loved that.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” score: A-

 

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A few thoughts about Captain America: Civil War

I know I’m a little a late to the party here, because by now most people have seen “Captain America: Civil War.” So instead of the usual recap and review thing I always do, I’m just gonna give you a few thoughts on the movie.

But if by chance you are one of the 12 people who haven’t seen “Captain America: Civil War,” please be aware that there may be spoilers ahead. And now, without-further-ado, here are a few thoughts about Civil War:

*Civil War is easily the most ambitious film that Marvel has attempted to date.

*I thought the first act of the movie was a little slow, and I could have done without so many title cards, but things picked up nicely after the attack on the United Nations meeting.

*During the entire marketing campaign for Civil War, I found it strange that Daniel Brühl (the movie’s villain) was never shown. Well no wonder, the filmmakers didn’t take advantage of his talents.

This was another huge missed opportunity by Marvel to develop another villain. The potential was there, but there was no real payoff.

*The action sequences are some of the best in any comic book movie.

*I would like to see more of Black Panther and Black Widow together. The two could have a nice friendship developing.

*Black Panther was amazing! But I’m sad we have to wait until 2018 for his movie.

*Spider-Man was a pleasant surprise. I liked the fact that he has to dumpster dive for his electronics, and that his first costume was terrible. But I really enjoyed when Tony Stark mentioned how young Aunt May is.

*Yay! they gave Sharon Carter something to do! But man, was that kiss awkward or what?

*In case Gwyneth Paltrow didn’t get that email: You’ve been written off the MCU.

*Civil War was the first time I’ve ever seen the Vision wear clothes, and I found it odd to say the least.

For the most part I really enjoyed “Captain America: Civil War.” My only real gripe was the way they used (or didn’t use) Daniel Brühl. Even so, Civil War delivered in ways I wasn’t expecting. This was one emotional movie, and it really felt like two best friends were going at it.

As bad as the first Captain America movie was, I never would have dreamt that Chris Evans would become one of my favorite MCU characters. Nor did I expect the Captain America movies would continue to get better and better.

“Captain America: Civil War” final score: 9

Trailer Park: Captain America: Civil War – Trailer 2

Spiderman, Spiderman,
Does whatever a spider can
Spins a web, any size,
Catches thieves just like flies
Look Out!
Here comes the Spiderman!

Trailer Park: Captain America: Civil War

The plot of this movie has nothing to do with the Civil War comic, but who cares?

“Captain America: Civil War” looks AWESOME! And that last fight scene? Wow, just wow.

Choosing Sides

There’s two big Marvel rumors today: First up is that “Captain America 3” will co-star Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Apparently it was supposed to be only a cameo, but RDJ convinced Marvel that he should have a larger role. Not to mention a $40 million paycheck and a bonus if Cap 3 earns more than “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.”

 

The other rumor is that Captain America 3 sets the stage for the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s very own Civil War. You heard right, the 2006-2007 comic book event is coming to a big screen near you. For those of you who don’t know what Civil War is, here’s a quick recap:

The mini series written by Mark Millar dealt with the proposal of the Superhuman Registration Act, after which the superhero community of the Marvel universe is split in two: Those believing that superpowered individuals should be registered and trained and standing with Tony Stark, and those standing in opposition of the registration act stand with Captain America. Sounds good right? Maybe not.

The Civil War comic event was massive, and included everyone in the 616 universe. Avenger, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and every D list character you can think of. It was also notable because Tony Stark convinced Spider-Man to go public with his secret identity. There was even a Thor clone, but we really don’t have to talk about that episode.

The point is, Marvel had a ton of characters to work with. Iron Man and Captain America had dozens of people on their side. If I remember correctly, even villains chose sides.But in the Marvel Cinematic Universe there are what, seven members of the Avengers (if you count Iron Patriot and The Falcon). There;s twelve heroes if you toss in the Guardians of the Galaxy. Ant-Man and Doctor Strange would make fourteen. And who knows if Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch will stick around.

Even if you have eight characters on each side, the Civil War scenario doesn’t work. Remember that Tony Stark went public in the first “Iron Man.” The goverment already knows who Black Widow is because she testified before congress in The Winter Soldier. And S.H.I.E.L.D.is aware of other heroe’s identities. In other words, Superhuman Registration Act would have little effect in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In order for Civil War to work, Marvel is gonna have to add a ton of new characters in 2015, and I don’t see how they can do it. So the event may be called Civil War, but I think some things will have to change from the comic.

TNU Box Office Preview: Unlucky Monsters

Defending box office champion “Gone Girl” faces some tough competition this week from Iron Man, Dracula, and one unlucky Disney family. Who I wonder will win?

Welp, David Fincher’s psychological thriller should hold on to the top spot for the second weekend in a row, with around $20 million or so. The real battle will be for second place where that freaky demon doll “Annabelle” will be a tight race against “The Judge,” “Dracula Untold,” and “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”

Steve Carell and Jennifer Garner star as the parents of the unlucky Alexander in this Disney update of Judith Viorst’s 1972 bedtime story. The PG-rated comedy cost a reported $28 million to produce and Disney is releasing the movie in 3,088 locations in North America. With little family flare in theatres, Alexander could earn somewhere around $18 million this weekend.

That should be enough for a second place finish. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” won’t be a blockbuster, but it will be a modest hit.

I gotta say though, I thought Steve Carell would be making better movies than this after he left “The Office.”

These days Robert Downey Jr. could film himself eating breakfast, and the film would be a box office hit. Plus all that Iron Man 4 speculation this week can’t hurt his father/son courtroom drama co-starring Robert Duvall, which cost a reported $50 million to produce.

The only things that could hurt “The Judge” are its R rating (which could keep many Marvel fans away), and competition for the same audience from “Gone Girl” and “The Equalizer.”

Warner Bros. is releasing the drama, produced by Village Roadshow, Team Downey and Big Kid Pictures, in an estimated 2,700 theaters. Reviews are mixed (49 percent on Rotten Tomatoes), but Robert Downey Jr. will still show up this weekend, and “The Judge” should earn $15 million. whether its finishes in third or fourth place, remains to be seen.

The bomb of the week will likely be Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ dark Dracula origin story starring Luke Evans. “Dracula Untold” opens in 2,885 North American locations, Friday, including large format and IMAX screens. The film cost a reported $70 million to produce and has already earned $21 million from 25 markets in its first weekend.

Not surprisingly, reviews aren’t great. Yesterday the movie had 28 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, but as of Friday morning the film is at 24 percent on and apparently dropping. If this movie makes over $12 million this wekeend, I’ll be surprised, no shocked.

Every time I’ve seen the trailer in theatres, it’s been followed by laughter. Can’t say I’m surprised though, this movie reminds me a little too much of “Van Helsing.: I really hope “Dracula Untold” is not the start of the new Universal Monster line from Legendary.

I Paid to See That: Gothika (2003)

There was a time when Halle Berry could do no wrong. During this period Berry won an Oscar, starred in a Bond movie, got paid half a million dollars for a topless scene, and she also starred in the X-Men franchise.

Back then, she was Hollywood’s go to girl. But if you look back, that period may have been successfull for her, but there a lot of cracks in the armor. It was just a matter of time before things unraveled?, and that started with “Gothika.”

“Gothika.” is a psychothriller that doesn’t make any sense. The movie is by French director Mathieu Kassovitz, and stars Halle Berry; Robert Downey Jr. (Whatever happened to that guy?). The film also stars  Charles S. Dutton; and Penelope Cruz.

Halle Berry plays Miranda Grey, a psychiatrist in a prison. She works alongside fellow shrink Pete Graham (Robert Downey Jr.) and is newly wed to her boss, Dr. Douglas Grey (Charles S. Dutton). This was a nice change of pace: The beautiful woman married to the older overweight guy.

During the movie’s obligatory dark and stormy night, Miranda takes a detour and swerves to avoid a ghostly, ghastly girl standing in the middle of the road, who for some reason bursts into flames. When she wakes up, Miranda is a prisoner in her own institution and Pete breaks the news to her: She’s accused of the brutal murder of her husband.

Of course the jolly fat guy get axed early on. Haven’t we suffered enough?!?

But how can this be? Miranda tries to remember, but her mind is a total blank. Chloe (Penelope Cruz), a former patient, now a fellow inmate, explains the rules to her: Now that Miranda diagnosed as insane, it doesn’t matter what she says, because it will be dismissed as crazy talk.

The movie introduces other characters, including Sheriff Ryan (John Carroll Lynch) and Phil Parsons (Bernard Hill), the prison warden. We are teased with the possibility that any of them, or Pete, could be behind Miranda’s imprisonment. Miranda tries to reason her way free. “Did we have an affair?” she asks Pete. “Did you want to?” Downey replies.

I think by this point RDJ had realized this movie was gonna be a big waste of his talents.

While Miranda copes with her new life in the hospital, the ghost uses her body to carry out messages. For example, she carves the words “not alone” into Miranda’s arm, which not surprisingly leads her former colleagues to believe Miranda is suicidal and is inflicting the wounds on herself. Considering how bad this script was, I’m shocked one of the doctor didn’t call for jumper cables.

Anyways, Miranda begins regaining her memories bit by bit, and slowly comes to remember herself killing her husband. Somehow she realizes that the ghost used her body to murder Douglas, thus making Miranda the patsy for his murder. Which is why all of the physical evidence points to Miranda.

After this bombshell, Miranda escapes the hospital, to seek clues to the mystery of why she killed her husband. This lead me to ask a very simple question: Why didn’t she escape earlier?

A trip to Rhose Island follows, but I’m not really sure what happened there, or how the cops showed up so fast. All is finally explained (more or less) in a series of climaxes, including one where Miranda uses her doctor powers to figure out the truth.

The problem is that all these scenes leave more questions than answers, like: How did the ghost of the girl trigger Miranda’s blackout? Is it possible the murders summoned the ghost? And what in heaven’s name are Robert Downey Jr.  and Penelope Cruz doing here?