How to train your Dragon (2010)

A boy who wanted to prove his worth and a dragon who gave him the courage to find it!

DreamWorks Animation and Pacific Data Images in association with Columbia Pictures present…

From great animated works of “The Prince of Egypt”, “Shrek”, “Kung-Fu Panda” and of course the lovable “Megamind”!

DreamWorks definitely added more levity and changed the game in animated films. They do have a place in our hearts indeed; this company has been providing friendly competition to Disney and Blue Skies Studios in providing well loved stories, family oriented and still gives the right amount of adventure and action to complete its intended purpose!

I’ve never seen an animated film involving these type of themes for a long time. To think, I could only remember a classic tale “The Flight of Dragons”. Directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. the same tag team that helped made Silver Hawks and of course Thundercats into animated series icons!

The film made me indulge to its magical world filled with powerful Sorcerers, Knights, Kingdoms and of course dragons! The moment that I was watching this CGI feature, I knew I’m going to be in for a treat! Everything is in place, all perfectly made into another of cinema’s masterpiece!

From the Island of Berk where Dragons are common to us as ordinary flies, they have been causing much distraught to the land. Taking away livestock and destroying everything in their path, the Vikings stand their ground to face these troublesome flying reptiles and they don’t have it any other way!

Gerard Butler (300, Law Abiding Citizen) lends his voice to Stoick the Vast, the leader of the Vikings whose headstrong, brutish exterior is given more due for his dedication and leadership for his fellow men. His love for his son has even made complications to both their relationship and their duties for the people.

A tale of a young boy misplaced by his own disposition in life, isolated and left to tend and support the island’s warriors in the blacksmith’s shop. Jay Baruchel (The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) breathes life to Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III the main protagonist who still needs to do a lot of soul searching and purpose with his life. Trying to prove that he can be an asset in his Father’s army, he finds ways to make things right but still being ignored even by the townsfolk.

It was either fate or destiny that he was able to slingshot one of the most sought after dragons: the Nightfury who is both the best in stealth and has impeccable aim on targets. His objective was to make his Father proud while being away on a mission and finish his training course.

I loved the way he delivers his character; his voice matches his spirit, a normal boy with great potential and ingenuity. His on and off disappearances from town finds a way to the little dragon’s heart! The dynamic between Hiccup and Toothless is one of a few in films that make the flow of the story work and provide its intended goal.

Supporting casts led my America Ferrera (Ugly Betty), she plays Astrid Hofferson, the supposedly best in the ranks of fresh meat, she is quickly annoyed and frustrated with what Hiccup was able to accomplish to add more insult to injury he even gets the accolades of their friends. Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and others gave a well deserved performance as well.

The film packs breathtaking visuals that definitely is palpable to the senses! A story that has both genuine and heartfelt defining moments that melds its taste for adventure and action being rolled into one! Voice cast was terrifically performed and has brought forth each and every character into the spotlight. I always go on how the story is done and the people that has placed their backs into it, even most of them has not been given much projects yet, but they were able to make it happen and provide, instill courage and acceptance so they can inspire and aspire fans and audiences alike!

Directors Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders did an amazing job providing the right pacing and tempo of the story that makes it one of the best animated films to be produced! To add, Chris and Dean also lends their input with Cressida Cowell ‘s book as Screenplay Writers.

Maryann Brandon who edited blockbuster films like “Mission Impossible 3”, “Star Trek” and recently Super 8 all have been collaborated with J.J Abrams which I believe is really someone who can be a force to reckon with. Her sidekick Darren Holmes has made great things in his resume as well including Disney’s “The Lion King”, “Ratatouille” and WB’s “Iron Gian”t; all films have been able to produce big box office ticket sales.

Kathy Altieri of the Animation Department brings her gifts, her involvement with Production Design gave How to Train your Dragon spectacular scenes and images! Previous works is traced through Disney Films and for all the hard work they placed in this film it rose to one of the best grossing animated films.

Now, the town that earlier had pest control problems have actually turned into pets, from dragon slayers to dragon masters! A new adventure awaits new battles to fight and a new friend to fly with as a sequel is in waiting! So keep the skies clear and put your pedal to the metal because it’s a fun filled ride!

The Equalizer (2014)

“Got a problem? Odds against you? send me an email!”

Columbia Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures in association with Escape Artists present…

Based on the crime drama television series which starred the late Edward Woodward, Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) brings this film adaptation to life with the help of an old friend Denzel Washington (Man on Fire)!

The protagonist, Robert McCall was a retired black ops operative who has finally found peace as a recluse from society. He gets up for work on the dot, as we see him bantering with work colleagues, well mannered and basically an all around help! But before he goes home he drops by at this diner where he finds some quiet time reading his book until he meets Alina also known as “Teri” being based on her late night occupation.

Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass) is one of the many women who are under the sex trafficking of the Russian Mafia. She has the same waiting place with Robert where she gets acquainted trying to find a reason in her life but more importantly maybe a friend that can help her get out of this dire situation she’s living in! Her character depiction moved up a notch practically from her younger days but still hailed as one of the promising young actresses of her generation.

The film resonate the very same plot and premise of the original series that involves abusive behavior, police procedural, human rights and vigilantism. Note that in every turn of the story Robert finds a way to provide help or better justice for those who were oppressed and how ironic that most of them came from police harassment. Even without the permission of these people, he just cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening around him and for those he cares for!

Enter main baddie Teddy played by Marton Csokas (The Debt) calm and collected as he is brutal to the core! Teddy is the right hand man of a Russian elite businessman named Pushkin, he takes care of loose ends and while doing so tramples on anyone who gets in his way even for the police whom we learn also under their illicit transactions! It was very intriguing how to opposing forces collide knowing one will only go down most notably seeing Robert go back to his former self and visited his friends Melissa Leo (Olympus Has Fallen) and Bill Pullman (Bringing UP Bobby) who plays husband and wife Susan and Brian Plummer who were also former agents of the government who were able to provide specific background information of who he was up against.

The violence is very evident considering that he has to take down gangsters, robbers and even mercenaries in full combat gear! Dialogue was enough to convey the objectives while at some point having intermittent situations before reaching the final boss and it was worth it! While the action was gratifying all throughout knowing that Denzel delivers his best to please the audiences (especially for the fans).

The story was straight forward and much anticipated since it was extradited from a previous well accepted origin. Plus Denzel once again has done a terrific job to make this film more exciting to watch (even Russell Crowe who was approached first can match the said performance) I doubt it will be a box office failure. He has given the role much more levity and precision although people still criticized this aspect to be less in terms of developing his character but there can ways in order to expand and depth of his portrayal if given a chance to give the film its own franchise like the “The Bourne Trilogy” with Matt Damon and recently the “Taken Trilogy” top billed by Liam Neeson!

Skyfall (2012)

“Though much is taken, much abodes, and though we are not  now that strength which in old days moved Earth and Heaven, that which we are, we are…one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield.” – Ulysses

Metro-Goldwyn- Mayer, Columbia Pictures in association with Eon Productions and Danjac LLC present…

After a incredible and tiring month last October, me and my beautiful wife head off to our well spent vacation to relax and unwind! Here, we continue to what has been a trend of sorts since the first time I’ve watched Daniel Craig portray the Spy of all Spies back in 2006’s “considerably” Casino Royale! Then before setting sail to another country I was still able to experience the burning sequel of Quantum of Solace in 2008 and so far it’s worth the wait…

From being an Assistant Director to front line Producer of her father’s magna opus, Barbara Broccoli (Goldeneye) and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson (A View to a Kill) never gave up on this project in spite of financial difficulties you might say even when the “sky was falling”, they were still able to salvage the film at all cost!

This is the end…

A covert mission, a train of death, a missed gunshot and a man falls! To kick start the 50^th Anniversary of James Bond, London premiered it as one of the highest grossing films to date and it will be a bloody hell when Bond get’s out of this!

Directed by Sam Mendes (Revolutionary Road) they made this film absolutely in a new direction seeking to find the reasons why Mr. Bond is more than a spy to his organization and to his country. It was not meant to relegate the essence of the film’s action but rather see another perspective what real danger awaits for those who works in these clandestine agencies. As he works on his takes with the silhouettes, mixing darkness with electric lights while never failing to inject charisma and passion which definitely makes Bond the top of the spy genre both in films and novels alike!

Full time MI6 Director and surrogate Mother Judi Dench (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) portrays M in a crucial role that will literally shake the Agency which she has lead for so many years! Hunted down by still an unknown enemy though grave as it may sound, she still got his closest ally in the business…his undying, always resurrecting son!

The premise was definitely not mission centric and what made it more interesting is that he faces a far more threat outside their walls but only this time it was within MI6! With the help of Screenwriter Neal Purvis (Johnny English), Robert Wade (Stoned) and John Logan (The Aviator) they have collaborated to bring the 23^rd film come to life both figuratively and literally!

Editing chores were made flawlessly by Stuart Baird (Vantage Point) from sound, amalgamation of action sequences and a combination of special and visual effects. Cinematography by Roger Deakins (Revolutionary Road) made it clear that not only does locations bring the story to come to life but how he brings each continent and country to capture moments of Bond’s escapades let’s just say to fall in the right place! From India (not pushed through), Istanbul, London and to Shanghai and an abandoned island off the coast of Macau. Adding the very talented and multi-awarded singer Adele to provide her sultry and alluring voice to capture the film’s premise gives meaning through reckless abandon and yet with a strong disposition to do whatever it takes to seize the day in spite the tragic situations.

Mr. Swagger himself, Daniel Craig (Defiance) continues his never ending fight for Britain and for the world’s safety. But for the mean time he needs to take care of business and this time it’s personal! Daniel was more comfortable with the role making him more dangerous and unpredictable for his character.

While after being whipped by a certain wizard to his seemingly eternal imprisonment, Ralph Fiennes (The Constant Gardener) as Gareth Mallory, to make it significant but not too obvious that he will have to leave office after what he has done! Absolutely better than his brother Joseph (no offense he’s good)! But Ralph exceeds what is expected of him not just in terms of performance but of choosing the right projects that will make him more enticing to the movie masses. On the same note, we commend one of today’s sought out actors as Javier Bardem (Biutiful) as Tiago Rodriguez a.k.a Raoul Silva, he portrays cyberterrorist, a character that makes you laugh and throw up at the same time (go figure it out)! Javier is a nonchalant super spy until something gave him a sort of epiphany. Just to make it clear that he has the utmost right to be able to protect himself first before protecting his country it was just unfortunate that it was like the case of a “Schrodinger’s Cat” where

What is a Bond film without his women? After a botched field work, Eve Moneypenny played by Naomie Harris (Street Kings) has been sidelined to a desk job just to get her mojo going again! To be honest she only has a role intended to fill-in a gap of need to give at least this pivotal character she was intended to play especially in the coming years ahead! While a former sex slave named Severine taken in by the villain was merely for eye candy she is played by Berenice Marlohe at least she had some acting in her that can convince other Producers that she can be part of something less inconvenient than a woman’s sob story longing for a hero to sweep off her feet.

It would seem farfetched, but I can’t help but compare the similarities of the premise with the Dark Knight Trilogy. A hero and a villain with the same background, roots and training while having a mentor or ally being haunted by guilt from their past sins and hunted down to pay their debts to society. The house of pain, the Butler until the end, the rich kid traumatized by a death in his family leading to become an orphan at a young age. Another angle we can look into is how a man got his face disfigured by his faith and with his disposition to uphold what needs to be done right unfortunately, serving their fate to be tragic and a lost cause! Finally, someone who seemingly died was brought back to life just to accomplish his mission no matter the cost…

 It was a personal one indeed, as it gave James Bond and the film a fantastic turn of events, convened to be a thriller that has given 007 a definite ending, a new chapter to be precise, a beginning of sorts as batons were passed on to carry the mantle as MI6 moves on while the earth crumbles, the oceans dries up or even if the sky falls…

Quantum of Solace (2008)

Casino Royale delivered the aces! Now, this is where Bond had left off and things are about to get “stirred and shaken” literally!

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in association with Columbia Pictures, EON Productions and B22 present…

A Barbara Broccoli with Michael G. Wilson Production.

Swiss-German Director Marc Forster (Finding Neverland) gave the film another exceptional take on the Spy finding his way to stop a criminal clandestine group and avenging his first true love. Screenwriters Paul Haggis (Crash), Neal Purvis (The World is Not Enough) and Robert Wade (Die Another Day) provide another premise so full of energy and excitement! I admired how they were able to let the flow of the story connect the two films where it still incorporates details, names and locations dealt with Vesper Lynd the double crossing lover and Le Chiffre the primary antagonist from Casino Royale.

Outstanding captured moments from the revolving 5 axis crane camera while panning-in at the snake-like roads of Garda and Carrara Italy and as it becomes closer so does the intensity of revd-up Aston Martins cruising in the tunnels while Bond is being gunned down by the “organization” only known as Quantum. Absolutely breathtaking initiated in the well choreographed car chase scenes courtesy of Arm Driver Dean Bailey and Stunt Coordinator Gary Powell from intro to its cliff hanging demise!

This film had more action oriented scenes and the body count that goes along with it keeps getting higher and higher by the minute! To make the ambiance relevant, David Arnold’s music made it transcending from the boat chase up-tempo beats then soothing it down flawlessly in the next sequences. The project also had plenty of places to go and to explore wherein locations scouted for an ocular by the Director and Crew to give it a better sense of authenticity from the script and required settings, spanning from the festive tradition Palio horse race of Italy, to the damp and cold London, next we are taken to the humid streets of Haiti, sophisticated Austria and the extremely unbalanced lifestyle of Bolivia where the rich tramples on the poor and its minority!

To add, in your typical spy thriller or anything with a military plot attached to it, we usually get the computer encoded Time Frame, Location and its classification bleeping at the bottom of the screen at least here, we have unique fonts to take us into the different places as we follow the story.

Wounded from the last encounter, Jesper Christensen (The Interpreter) returns as Mr. White! He is making it harder for the MI6 to understand the threat they pose as an organisation, even mocking M and Bond in the interrogation process. As Quantum’s new “slave” Mathieu Almaric (Mesrine) plays Dominic Greene, another pawn in this cat and mouse game! A supposed Philanthropic Businessman who expresses his concerns with the environment and its preservation through his company The Greene Planet! He’s demeanor for being wickedly manipulative hides behind his clean propaganda, a front for his Superiors to let a deposed General rule the country once again! Mathieu can be soft spoken but makes up for his intentions for the greed he generates while his eyes glare in the moment of betrayal, aggravation or by making him feel insulted!

Returning as 007 Agent Daniel Craig (The Golden Compass). In this 22^nd film, Bond makes it personal giving in to the thrill of pursuing Agents, Assassins, Gun Men and Body Guards who still have no absolute idea who they are dealing with. He is constantly monitored by M, ignoring her often times for the killing spree he has been doing in taking out possible leads to their objective…

There was this particular scene when he follows and does surveillance for Mr. Greene in an Opera titled Tosca, he goes to the highest point to monitor all of those involved in the transaction presented by the “eager” businessman!  I liked the way how it was executed and seeing all these mocked up so-called “Illuminati” members get their head shots (metaphorically speaking) while they are simultaneously downloaded to MI6 HQ! To add, I believe that something significant about the involvement of the Canadian Government which will hopefully explained and given more detail in Skyfall!

Judi Dench (Goldeneye) again serves as his Superior M and as a “surrogate mother”! There is an unraveling inner conflict and at the same time mutual feelings about these two people. Both have commented in their respective performance and the only thing that matters with them is to trust each other no matter the cost! With new Bond Girls coming to the foray, Olga Kurylenko (Hitman) as Ex-Bolivian Agent Camille who has her own agenda in avenging her family and Gemma Anterton (The Disappearance of Alice Creed) is an ordinary girl with an extra-ordinary job! I asked myself what? Her screen name was Strawberry Fields how cute can you get? Is it just to flatter Bond or make it something less conspicuous bringing in the Spy to be reprimanded or suspended to say the least!

Returning cast Jeffrey Wright (Lady in the Water) as CIA Agent and “brother” Felix Leiter who works more intensively trying to uncover the secret plans of the Tierra Project being put in place while Giancarlo Giannini (Hannibal) reprises his role as veteran Agent Rene Mathis, suspected in working with the “terrorist” he was later pardoned and was given a luxurious haven as a gesture of apology from the British Government! He was the only one Bond can approach now seeing that he has been cut off from the Agency’s finances. Mathis brought in the epiphany for Bond to contemplate on just to remind him that all is forgiven between them and most of all, forgiving Vesper and himself in the process to move on with his life.

To encapsulate, the ideas being given deals with a bigger scenario that makes 007 work incessantly to bring down this corrupt organization that not only destroys lives but countries as well! The Director gave it the same powerful take in the missions and life of the British Secret Spy. On the other hand, in the earlier parts of the film were fast paced but got slower with cut up or shortened scenes as the story progresses. I still commend him for instilling the perfect environment for the characters to blend in; everything he injects from hotels, cars, boats and even propeller driven planes has their own persona that matches the world where James Bond carry out his duties, a little old fashioned but up to date!

As mentioned in the final scene when M wanted him back in the Agency, he promptly replied ”I never left…” this completes his trail for his vendetta and soon will be tackling another threat with the same group of people only known as Quantum!

Casino Royale (2006)

“The name’s Bond, James Bond!”

Columbia Pictures in association with Eon Productions, Casino Royale Productions, Stillking Films, Babelsberg Film and Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas present…

Ian Lancaster Fleming’s first book of the British Intelligence Agency’s most well known Agent, Spy, Soldier and Commander of the Naval Fleet! His character had many depictions and basis, the first one was an actual member of the Royal Navy’s Intelligence Division who worked with Mr. Fleming in World War II, his name was Merlin Minshall, another was Serbian double agent Dusko Popov, a charismatic womanizer and lastly, a real Jewish Russian secret agent named Sidney George Reilly employed in the British SIS. To add, his character’s name came from a real life Ornithologist in Philadelphia.

Casino Royale was the main catalyst of the forthcoming adventures of James Bond. Since it was published in April 13, 1953, it was adapted on screen three times and was written and finished in Jamaica. Mixing both real life experiences and the Author’s own imagination, he was able to bring to the UK and the rest of the world a truly remarkable fictional icon and hero!

Now with Barbara Broccoli’s supervision in all upcoming and remaining projects from his late father’s Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, the daughter has been doing an overwhelming job multi-tasking from both ends of the floor while producing; she also acts as Second Unit Director in the field! Both of them have been involved in the films of the British super spy with the former starting off with Timothy Dalton’s “The Living Daylights” in 1987.

So it begins…

On his second mission, we are taken to Prague in Czech Republic. Bond was tracking down a double agent who was selling intelligence reports to make profit. The black and white ambiance gives it a more suspenseful take on the scene, even the dialogue that they did for just a few minutes with a non-linear take on his first kill was absolutely wicked. It was concise and crisp “considerably”… Thus, James Bond was now promoted to the status of “00”!

The actual battlefield is not your typical highway chase shoot them up style… here it is the Poker Table! Originally it was the card game Baccarat, it was changed to make it contemporary since it gave more reasons to relate to the fans and audiences alike. This game can tell you a lot on who’s playing and to think that it’s not only betting millions of dollars on table that makes you quiver…instead, it’s the world’s safety!! It was also segmented into three significant parts which I aptly named: 1. Bomber’s Away! ; 2. Death Poker and 3. Becoming Bond!

The latest 007, Daniel Craig (Layer Cake) was criticized heavily to be the next Bond especially with his facial attributes but they clearly underestimated his would be performance beforehand giving these unhealthy remarks, this film will absolutely put all doubters on the other side of the river! He gave a powerfully solid, straightforward and headstrong take on the Secret Agent, no more lingering too often with gadgets (it’s alright Q, you’ll be fine) which is very ideal since he relies more on his wits and physical stamina to chase the bad guys from one point into the next even putting in spectacular pursue scenes which involved the sport “free running”. This is the Bond that we are all waiting for shoot first ask questions later (give him the benefit of the doubt for being trigger happy).

The film was superbly done, with an amazing cast. The life of a spy, traveling around the world meeting beautiful women and surviving them was all in a day’s work for Mr. Bond. This story is really significant not only because it depicts his origins but also why he came to terms with having to “trust no one”. He fell in love with the leading lady Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven) who plays the alluring Vesper Lynd, an ILO (International Liaison Officer) from the HM Treasury sent by M to aide Bond in his next assignment. Smart, strong willed and fatal even for the most dangerous man in the agency!

Together, they need to stop Mads Mikkelsen (King Arthur) is Le Chiffre, a terrorist financier, a genius bent on world domination (economically speaking); his portrayal of being the villain is fantastic! He needs to recuperate the money he owed from a brutal warlord Steven Obanno whom he met in Mbale, Uganda where his intention was to bet against the stock market in his favor by blowing up the largest prototype airplane in Miami! A remarkable actor that can play the bad guy anytime without throwing any punches and you’ll still hate him for his subtle and yet cruel simplicity! He is also backed up by an ominous organization coming from the mouth of Mr. White, played by Jesper Christensen (The Debt) another criminal in the dark, he always plays in the background of his so-called “clients”, we would see later on what his goals are and what its repercussions for Bond…

Supporting casts Jeffrey Wright (Syriana) as CIA Agent and close friend Felix Leiter since back in the early stories with Giancarlo Giannini (Man of Fire) as French local Agent Rene Mathis of the Duexieme Bureau. The only returning cast was Judi Dench (Notes of a Scandal) since Pierce Brosnan’s take in Goldeneye. She reprises her role as Bond’s superior M, the Head of the British Secret Service! Judy’s take and contribution to her character for the last 16 years has been very pleasant, she embodies M as a Superior sometimes cold and uncaring (the Author had his own experiences…) but with the guidance and demeanor of a mother figure.

Directed by Martin Campbell (The Mask of Zorro) who gave us a great film encompassing all the elements of a spy thriller! With the help of Screenwriter Neal Purvis, Robert Wade (Die Another Day) and Paul Haggis (Crash) the former two comes back from the same character with a different take and persona! They have both given a full range of authenticity and intrigue in the story! Kudos as well to Debbie McWilliams (Othello) for finding the best people to portray these characters, I seldom commend the Casting Head but this was remarkably, undeniably well thought of!

Former Sound Garden and Audioslave headman Chris Cornell is one of my favorite performer’s in the music industry! His collaboration with David Arnold to bring the sound of James Bond is truly ear candy. To add, this is the first time that the Bond film franchise chose a male lead coming from a long line of females laying down their voice to capture the fascinating and sophisticated computer generated theatrics of the film’s storyline and premise. This is one of the many films that provide an amazing opening, a synergy of seduction, thrills and excitement!

From the sun glazed Madagascar, to the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas and the classy and elegant Montenegro where the ensuing battle draws to a close! The sights and sceneries from these countries were in the eyes and hands of the brilliant Cinematographer Phil Meheux (Goldeneye), returning with the same projects collaborated with the Director, the direction of his camera provides the audience with fast paced action and the right amount of passion that makes the world of James Bond so impetuously invigorating!

Salt (2010)

Not taking it with a grain of Salt, it was a definite premise for another spy franchise!!!

Relativity Media with Di Bonaventura Pictures in association with Columbia Pictures present…

North Korea, a woman in a jail cell tortured by soldiers was given a chance to be released in terms of an exchange by a prisoner from the US. (Bond here anyone, anyone???)

Present Day…

Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie), the Vice -President for a disguised Washington D.C. oil company is about to leave office to meet with her husband Michael, a German arachnologist who was instrumental for her release 2 years ago. As she was about to exit the door with superior Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber), it turns out there was an alert stating that a Russian is currently detained for questioning.

Situation given, the man by the name of Orlov states that he is a defector from Russia and claims that Day X is about to commence and Evelyn Salt would be the main player of these events to come! The information that was handed over is crucial for the survival of both countries.

Salt, now on the run for her life climbing walls, rooftops and jumping from one vehicle to the next in a freeway. Finding a way to contact her husband against a mob of CIA agents and government officials she was able to elude them and fulfill her mission to kill the Russian President who is attending the funeral of his close friend the deceased Vice President of the United States.

The story climaxes in another given mission for Salt and a liaison NATO officer in the White House, they were instructed to assassinate the President and to make a missile assault in Mecca and Tehran as all hell breaks loose!!!

Main Cast

Angelina Jolie (Tomb Raider) pulls another ace in her sleeve making another thriller film that was exciting and entertaining to watch.  She portrays a very unique character that jumpstarted a franchise for women spies that can take most action guys to shame!

Liev Schrieber (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) makes up more of a better villain with his direct to the point, suave, pencil pushing Superior together with the anti-hero based characters of Chiwetel Ejiofor (American Gangster), very nice delivery all the time, I begin to think of him as a young Laurence Fishburne. Very passionate and creates an atmosphere that is gritty and cold at the same time. Now, he is one of the most sought out actors in Hollywood providing award winning performances and blockbuster films.

Production

Director Philip Noyce (The Bone Collector) initially gave this project to Tom Cruise but he respectfully declined seeing this film as another spy/agent character, pertaining to Ethan Hunt of the Mission Impossible franchise. I think it was best this way since it was more convenient for another actor to portray the role.

Angelina Jolie was brought in and with the help of Kurt Wimmer, a decent writer/director in my opinion who wrote “Law Abiding Citizen”, “The Thomas Crown Affair” and “Street Kings”. Though not all his works were credible he directed “Ultraviolet”, “Equilibrium” and wrote “The Recruit” which were all flops. Noyce’s film nevertheless had Box Office sales that was decent making it more than 100 million worldwide.

The score and soundtrack is genuine and depicts the tone of the given sequences. I specifically loved the Barge Apocalypse, it had a Terminator base into it and with an eclectic background!

Story

The film dictates that Salt is a sleeper, double agent, a mole in the United States soil. Trained by Orlov, a spymaster (Daniel Obrychski) since the fatal accident that killed her parents (so it would seem). Moulded to be assassins, they were given specific instructions when and where to strike.

I was aware that the film connotes what specific plot influences are being manifested since the beginning of the film’s title was shown; it had a background depicting a Russian font and in red color to signify a double effect on the name of Salt. It gives a bigger picture on how the story works wherein two great countries, one was a superpower currently in the spotlight. Actually, it’s already farfetched for these two countries to be at war again, but all is forgiven since it’s only a film!

It also gives pertinence to the backdrop of the Bourne series action sequences, take note only the intricacies of the escape and M.O. was significantly copied, I too agreed on the concept at first but it took me to another level where the film was going and give it a try to be blown away.

I really loved the ending because it was not mission intrinsic but to help save a nation in crises, one must know and understand where loyalty lies and what future holds for someone like her who is still on the run from the government (not just the US of course!) I think you don’t get away that easily killing off KGB spies or defectors for that matter.

Full of chases, adrenaline sequences and lame guards pun intended!  It was a straight up action film that makes Angelina one of the best and sought out actresses of our time!

Django Unchained (2012)

Revenge is best served cold… just don’t forget to bring an umbrella since its going to “rain” big time!

Columbia Pictures in association with The Weinstein Company and A Band Apart present…

One thing that was evident in these types of films being produced for contention in the annual smorgasbord of award ceremonies is that people line up for the tickets at the cinemas to experience the true talent that these people have to offer, to inform, entertain and  entice whatever the case may be…

After leaving Miramax, co-founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein took matters into their own hands and never looked back. Today, the Weinstein Company never seizes its appetite for hauling award winners year after year they even had Jennifer Lawrence covet the prize in the touching film “Silver Linings Playbook” in the concluded Oscars’. While their strong production credits provided in the film was concomitant and fantastic giving this epic spaghetti western the trump cards it deserves!

The film was directed by and from the Original Screenplay which won his Academy Award, the man himself Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs)! Throughout the years with his career, starting from an actor and becoming one of the most influential directors in the last two decades, he has been known for the Tarantino watermark in which even Adobe can confirm that it’s absolutely his own repertoire! The blood, the violence, martial arts, gun-fu, the panning in of the camera at the actor and especially the revenge premise that always revs up the viewing public to scream for more!

He casted the multi-talented Leonardo Di Caprio (The Departed) one of today’s highest paid actors in tinsel town and known for his exceptional talent that even rivals Robert De Niro’s sublime diversity in portraying characters that truly invigorates the movie masses. He plays the part of Calvin J. Candie a rich and powerful owner of Candyland one of the biggest plantations in Mississippi. The actor made a very rare type of occasion in playing a villain focusing his energy every time he blows his top but having a calm demeanor and smart talk anyone who comes his way!

This guy, the man of the hour and my personal favorite Christoph Waltz (Water for Elephants) who bagged all three awards for Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Globes, BAFTA’s and The Academy Awards reunites with the Director for the second time since “Inglorious Basterds”! I saw the type of acting he displayed in the lack lustred moreover a box-office bomb “The Green Hornet” nevertheless he has this humorous and sincere take on serious situations that I really find so genuinely consistent. David O. Russell should cast him soon in his upcoming projects as well since it is the Director’s main selling point.

But going back to Christoph’s role and performance, he plays a wandering German Dentist who was actually a Bounty Hunter employed by the Government to seek out varmints and bring them back either dead or alive, his name was Dr. King Schultz who needs a “Robin” in his daily adventures! Soon, he finds a group of slaves handled by the Speck Brothers and eureka, Academy Award Winner Jamie Foxx (Collateral) portrays the title role, a man given a chance to get back his wife in exchange for his services. Django is the name; he and Dr. King went into a blood trail tracking down individuals in various towns while being trained so he could finally get his revenge to those who have wronged him!

Kerry Washington (For Colored Girls) is the long lost wife Broomhilda Von Shaft, separated from her husband and currently sold to the main antagonist. Kerry has been involved in good films as of late (please don’t include the Fantastic Four films) she carries herself very well showing that drama can be one of her strengths which proved convincingly gratifying. Their love never gave up that it made it sweeter when her man comes to the rescue which is beyond any doubt the end result of the film’s objective…well almost, since there are some more “bullet points” in the agenda of our heroes!     (pun intended)

I think that’s the major parts being tackled, before we forget our hunter is not the only one with a sidekick, even though Calvin had his guns, goons and gold he still has someone to rely on besides all the muscle! Samuel L. Jackson (The Spirit) has crossover time and space to fulfill his duties as an actor occasionally he does B rated films but never fails to impress when push comes to shove! His role was Stephen the caretaker of the mansion, he makes sure everything and everyone is in its proper place when his Master arrives. He whispers wickedly, assesses the motives of guests but annoyingly creeps me out as he stands besides Calvin while repeating his every single statement needlessly!

Though films were made in the imagination of its composite individuals, they do have different ways and means to share it with the audience and be able explore the world of cinema to escape from reality once in a while. That is what Quentin Tarantino did and he was criticized by doing so, in context the African community’s forefathers did went through grueling experiences from forced labor, hunger, torture and even killed for the sake of those who deserved better to walk this forsaken planet. Deprived from anything that would say the least, the point is we are bounded by our hurt and hate which should not be the reasons to inflict it back on those who have given us pain.

The story does that plus much more since it was how the Director sees his horizons, his perception to merely convey awful truths will be his concern to deal with but if it was meant with malice then it will be a different case entirely. The sensitive issues being depicted in the film that allows itself to be projected in the mainstream nowadays are media and the right of speech which runs rampant without compromise. We watch these films to explore the works of these Producers, Filmmakers and celebrities to show how their intentions either being revered or rejected…the die is cast simple as that!

Vantage Point (2008)

The trails of suspicion will have its vulnerable “point” with the people you actually trust!

Columbia Pictures in association with Relativity Media and Original Film present…

11:59:58…59

Time is the only consistent thing you will experience in the film while staging grounds that will tackle every possible angle, situation and standpoint of focal characters bringing together cohesion to the plot that will later unravel in the story! Don’t let the redundancy get into you, the moment the film starts it will provide the levity needed as you go along…

Director Pete Travis (Endgame) gives us an action political thriller that not only is unique in delivery but it was able to maximize its full potential on a 360 degree bird’s eye view letting the audience free flow with the film’s intended objective! Screenwriter Barry Levy gave a remarkable take on the premise helping create a needed environment that not just focuses on the “ceremony” but by also making sure the surrounding cast are well focused to do their jobs! (well, not all of them)

1^ST TIER:   A REPORTER’S CONUNDRUM

Veteran actress, Sigourney Weaver (Working Girl) GNN Production Head Rex Brooks, formerly written for a man to take the responsibility to be the eyes and ears of the event yet Sigourney with her knack of having a adamant personality gets the job done! She is partnered with rising star, Zoe Saldana (The Terminal) she plays GNN Field Reporter Angie Jones, a very brief scenario on what news coverage she intends to relay to the audience and the world! I think she was not the best person to have been chosen to play the role of a field reporter, though Angie plays just a small portion of the bigger picture, her character’s delivery was stale, trying hard and annoying! Not that she was given an aggressive demeanor; it was a forced effort especially at the beginning of the film! In short, she can be an eye candy shooting guns but not behind a microphone and a camera!

2^nd TIER: BACK IN THE GAME…

Dennis Quaid (The Day After Tomorrow) US Secret Service Agent Thomas Barnes! He’s back coming from his last stint in rescuing the President from an assassination plot. He’s old and he’s paranoid! Instinct is key as they say, his obligation to protect the President at all cost is in his aura, his motives are direct and implemented throughout the film, his delivery was sometimes off and gets overacted at times but still redeemable in this film even from his previous ones!

3^rd TIER: “YOU ARE ALWAYS AT THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME!”

Eduardo Noriega (Open Your Eyes) is covert Police Officer Enrique, on the run and suspected for foul play! The assassination of the President needs to come to terms with his past and what he needs to do in order to investigate the incident! Eduardo was chosen for his stern look and deep moral resolve, his character was embedded to be someone who can make the audience think while giving him the benefit of the doubt to be resolute and with integrity!

4^TH TIER: SEPARATING CITIZEN FROM CIVILIAN

Howard Lewis, is alone, a visitor in a native land trying to break free from marital problems and just unwind from his supposedly “away from it all” vacation! He brings a camera surveying the crowds, the buildings and the most coveted ceremony for the United States President to address the people of Spain! Forest Whitaker (The Crying Game) gives a troubled man a purpose in his life, seeking the happiness that he longs for through his own camera.

His performance being Howard was already seen thousands of times and not to give much attention to the “Last King of Scotland” star, he goes back to being the peculiar one, the troubled person who needs attention no just through his own but by the situations surrounding him, he needs to change that kind of trademark where he tries to save the day but can’t! Few films come to mind such as “Blown Away”, “Species” and “Repomen”!

5^TH TIER: DESPERATE MEASURES

William Hurt (A History of Violence) plays the part of the US President seeing that there was a confirmed plot for his demise, he was brought back to the hotel with Bruce McGill (Collateral) his Adviser Phil McGullough. William had so many chances to be a successful actor and yet falls into under worthy projects which leave him with no solid ground for at least another Academy award nomination after so many years of work. His character is flat footed, very predictable (most of his portrayals are) and needs a lot of strong stellar support to bring in at least a memorable film!

 Bruce on the other hand was a long time TV series actor, a mainstay for MacGyver in the 80’s! He has a few films on his own usually B rated but at least he gets the right characters and films best suited for his talent!

6^th TIER: BOMBS AWAY!

Said Taghmaoui (Three Kings) is cool and calculative Suarez armed with a cell phone that has the specs capable of triggering devices in a long distance radius. He had a collaborated film with Dennis in 2009 with a special military unit but that project was “mediocre” and they both play on the same team!

While Ayelet Zurer (Munich) the co-conspirator named Veronica who serves only as support and eye candy for the film! Speaking of which, Matthew Fox (We are Marshall) US Secret Service Agent Howard Lewis, people have been clamoring for this guy since he played the role of Jack Shephard in LOST created by the next “Spielberg” Director J.J. Abrams! Seriously, I am aware that he received a Golden Globe “Nomination” from the acclaimed TV series but his performance in this film falls flat, tumbles down and rolling over thrice then face on the ground! His worse than Sam Worthington for crying out loud!

It was a laborious take the Director even discussed the right amount of given takes to make the scenes perfect even choosing the “right “ people for the job, for me it was hits and misses and frankly it was lacklustered! When it comes to the idea, it was out of the ball park and how they captured every situation very well while telling the story in segments, they were able to put together the pieces of the puzzle in a well coordinated manner!

The trick that made it work was the plot; it was also a character and story driven at the same time! The only one who didn’t impress me was Zoe and Matt where she acts as someone reading an idiot board in front of the camera and started to bawl her brains out without concentrating on her objective, I understand this is how it was written, my point implies on her delivery. While Matt, is dull his portrayal even got shoddier because he was a Secret Service Agent, obviously I just preferred who was worse between him and Dennis and I chose the latter since he was already in the business for a long period of time!

To give an overall remark, it was a 6.5 out of 10, the film was able to fulfill the political thriller aspect, the storytelling was not distinctive which is one of its “Achilles Heel” and everyone has an open ended conclusion coming from underdeveloped characters to provide fruition for the story itself which gives at least its full circle to realize what “point” was most advantageous…the audience decides!

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Just like from other superhero films, they were adapted from the actual comic books but not all the time with key specific story lines and that’s how dynamic this is, it’s already comprehensible to many and yet unique in its own “amazing” way!

Columbia Pictures in association with Marvel Studios present…

From Marvel Comics very own flagship carrier, Spider-Man was created by Writer Stan “The Man” Lee and Artist Steve Ditko who debuted in Amazing Fantasy No. 15 on August of 1962. Adapted for a television series in the 80’s which became a cult phenomenon then jump starting it in the big screen from the years 2000 up to 2007 which grossed billions in the box office worldwide making it one of the successful comic book films in cinema history!

But that was just the beginning…

The British are coming!!! Embrace the inevitable! Superhero movie leading actors take a turn to bring these comic book characters to life in these live action films, for instance Christian Bale (Batman Begins) is of English descent, Henry Cavill (The Man of Steel) also dubbed the “unluckiest” Englishman in screen testing with the film finally coming in next year! With both portraying iconic superheroes from DC Comics, Marvel has their own ace up their sleeve and found their latest web slinger from the talent of Andrew Garfield (Never Let Me Go).

Definitely a reboot from Sam Raimi’s trilogy, it’s like turning off a PC and then when you switched it back on, there is already a new motherboard installed or something to that effect! But in this regard, it’s not the superhero with the mask that needs to be placed in the spotlight but rather who’s inside! The boy who was searching in the opening scene never got through playing hide and seek with his Dad, until one fateful day came something from the past has been unearthed and he never knew that this will affect significantly  his way of life, more importantly who he is?

Director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) sends everyone spinning in its melancholic web of the mundane teenager aptly named Peter Parker! Although it was CGI heavy, the film never lost touch of its intentions to stay close with the source material to infuse intellectual dialogue, backed-up by character driven performances and of course actual web shooters and not the internally biological spun-off webbing! They even had a name for it right now, “biocables” which is absolutely contemporary!

The different take on the film has made fans skeptical saying that it was too early for the franchise to be replaced or for the original cast to take the exit! The people in Marvel had so much enthusiasm for the fourth installment to take place but it was just unfortunate that Sam’s heart for the franchise has been left empty leaving a huge trunk space to fill-in! When Marc was chosen to helm the new face of the title hero, he welcomed it and took it as a challenge and the rest was history!

Produced once more by Laura Ziskin (The Accidental Hero) with Hollywood heavyweights Matt Tolmach (Coldblooded) President of Columbia Pictures and Marvel’s own CEO Avi Arad while the Story and Screenplay was researched by James Vanderbilt (The Rundown) that gave more precedence on the troubled boy’s life, let alone his awkward stature, being geeky and bullied in school! James went back even more from the time of his childhood wherein the parents play an essential part in Peter’s destiny…to become someone who not only needs to accept his responsibilities but to also honor it!

This is what just James was trying to send across, this is the “untold story” even critics and fanboys were bashing the given statement claiming that they already know who Spider-Man is, but frankly it’s not just to their own standpoint that should be addressed here, it’s a new story with the same elements but with a different direction and foundation on how it all started and frankly, it actually worked!

John Schhwartzman (Armageddon) the Director of Cinematography was able to clearly capture what was defined from how the actual city skyline get their fair share of the reel while instilling fantastic camera work on characters movement with the background using the Green Screen technology. He was able to incorporate detailed shots and angles which defines the right ambiance for the characters to move in.

Speaking of which, the FPS (First Person Shooter) and 3D shot scenes were complimentary to the wall crawler, something that has never done before in the CBM’s, it gives a diversified look on how the audience enjoy the cinema experience from Spider-Man’s eyes and point of view (literally). This was made possible by 3ality Technica, wherein they provided the actual cameras and sets to actually capture the world of Spider-Man without post converting it into 3D, the Director is applauded for his additional research! While the fight scenes were well-choreographed even mixing the right amount of real actors with CGI has made it breathtaking to watch! How Spider-Man climbs in the alleys, at the side of the slivered buildings, the way he swings through the city was drastically improved! His movements are way limber, acrobatic, agile and most of all spider like (which all fanboys can drool over)!

Andrew as Peter Parker gave the most relatable superhero in the big screen and it’s another reason why movie viewers need to see his portrayal! It was his own likeness that made him exceptionally remarkable, from the physical proportions of being thin and yet, with the right amount of muscle tone to at least look believable to hold his own against a 9 ft. “misunderstood” reptile who can easily rip you into two equal or unequal parts however he chooses!

 His mindset matches Peter’s perfectly as well, seeing how his asset can get him to places without any effort whatsoever. He has a genius level intellect like his father and for a boy his age being able to formulate the needed equation for the decay timeline was intended to give the audience something to ponder on. To add, also inventing these small contraptions were clearly instilled in the film, these were exceptional plus points since it was not conveyed thoroughly in Sam Raimi’s trilogy.

On the other hand (of the web slinger), his attitude has more aggression, rebellious and flamboyant especially with criminals and the police force! It was still set on the emotional standpoint of the troubled teenager faced with everyday challenges while growing up feeling alone compared to Tobey Maguire’s sentimentality who looked forlorn and sober sitting in his room most of the time.

Enter Gwen Stacy his first love was played by a blossoming actress Emma Stone (Easy A), their on and off camera chemistry has made it easier to let go of their feelings without any compromise, funny and heartfelt! While her father the predecessor to “James Jonah Jameson”, Capt. George Stacy played by Dennis Leary (Ice Age) patrolling the streets to make it as tightly secured and safe as possible his performance in “Rescue Me” TV series definitely made the transition in his acting versatility come into fruition (right Diego poo?).

A fractured soul inside a frustrated man, more so a scientist failing to cure the “weakness” of society has left him cornered in a wall and this will have devastating consequences! Rhys Ifans (Human Nature) is Dr. Curtis Connors the foremost “authority” in genetic engineering, gave the distraught villain to finally crawl out from the woodwork! His moment has come (to say the least) having been denied of his whims to unleash his gift to mankind he will make sure his claws are felt of whoever opposes him! Rhys underwent CGI motion capture to breathe life to the Lizard, his design and structure in cohesion with the digital effects by Sony Pictures Imageworks gave a uniquely humanized reptile’s dream to come true (how come the snout did not grow back?).

Acting was done genuinely and convincingly especially from the senior casts, Martin Sheen (The Departed) who portrays the surrogate Father and Uncle, Ben Parker and Sally Field (Mrs. Doubtfire) as Aunt May Parker who both gave a wonderful performance! Though some of it was quite cheesy but was worth it since a teenager centric premise was given as its background which holds the right kind of environment for our emotional hero to respond to his calling…to his responsibility!

The combining elements from the previous films like Director’s Ang Lee’s Hulk in 2003 was definitely transparent in the premise, seeing how the both fathers coming from the field of science has left a burnt mark in their sons genes which eventually made them who they are today (freaks of nature in a nice sort of way). Its influences like these help shape the cornerstone of the story, provided that it doesn’t tangle way too much hypersensitivity and by just getting the message through the audience plain and simple is enough! While references from the previous films were evident considering the enormity of the predicament being given a solution by the wall crawler. From the time the villain enters, creating mass chaos and for the citizens of New York helping our superhero to save the city and its residents was intently moving!

It was an essential start of the series that went deeper into Peter’s life and that is fundamental! This will actually help provide a bigger landscape to work through while focusing on key elements that will enable the production team and casts to cover in the sequels.

The downside, editing was not impressive even coming from two people Alan Edward Bell (The Rundown) and Pietro Scalia (Masked and Anonymous) who even worked with award winning films from Ridley Scott, you can cut off scenes but let it have a clear follow-through at least for a few seconds to let the audience know what’s going on and what’s actually happening and where did Dr. Connors got his tattered robe when he changed back to human form in the sewers?

To add, fan service moments were injected left and right like hanging from a raising cable crane after falling off from a failed “limping” 1000 meter dash on a building rooftop, the love story encapsulated in the comic books furthermore being the hero that he needs to be especially coming from a tragedy is way too given! While some people who will not be expected to return in the coming sequels have made their “black swan” worth remembering, it will help make the series move forward and get this film come into full circle!

Clearly, it was a drama induced themed, seeing that the hero’s journey begins but so many questions are still left unanswered which is quite normal but with purpose and that is to keep the next projects in check and in line! Like Peter’s parents gone missing and “reported” perished in an accident, where does the relationship of the high school lovers take them and for how long? And for the million dollar question, who did Dr. Connor’s spoke with in his ward cell at Beloit Psychiatric Hospital?

Spider-Man to some or most of you will know that he has a wide range of rogues gallery…not just because he can’t shut up his mouth while they are in a middle of a fisticuffs but rather all these years, it has been personal for them and they are “dying” to see the annoying arachnid splattered by their own hands…

So don’t tell Peter ok…let his spider-sense do the work!

 

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Is this the end of Spider-Man?

Columbia Pictures with Laura Ziskin Productions in association with Marvel Studios present…

Based on Marvel Comics characters, Spider-Man was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko to debut in Amazing Fantasy No. 15 in August of 1962. As a young boy, Peter his alter-ego was orphaned and was taken in by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May upon which he had an epiphany about his responsibilities…and this will be his gift and his curse!

In this final installment, the story revolved around Peter’s darker side giving a pathway entry for his nemesis to come to life…

After years of saving New York City, Peter Parker returning for the third time is Tobey Maguire (The House of Cider Rules) has come to terms for being the superhero everyone adores! Not only that, he is preparing to be engaged with the love of his life Mary Jane Watson portrayed once more by Kirsten Dunst (Crazy/Beautiful).

But happiness isn’t meant to last when Peter’s past comes haunting him back, the real perpetrator from his Uncle’s death had escaped from prison and gave levity to the back story of the franchise. Trying to be two things at once was not good for Peter’s persona since his love Mary Jane had recently been depressed from her sudden exit from a broadway show, it gave her the time to contemplate on her feelings while trying to find someone who could provide empathy for her misfortune. Peter on the other hand, is well over his head, had shown mixed emotions of grief, nirvana, aggressiveness and hunger for power in the middle of the film making him more distant with his Aunt May and his friends. As he is locked on with two bad guys, his girlfriend (on and off) in hostage and another reluctant “best friend” to help him with his predicament, Peter must find a way to save them but he must come to realization first to save himself from his own dark inhibitions!

To add insult to injury, the hunt was still on by Harry Osborn played by James Franco (Whatever It Takes) who still thinks that Peter murdered his father Norman! His part was a bit redundant already having to vent out all these anger from the last two prequels was already enough, then came two additional headaches! A pint sized photographer wannabee, from the riotous “That 70’s Show” comedy series from none other than Topher Grace (In Good Company) he plays Eddie Brock who got the angry symbiote’s sympathy and turned him into the entity known as Venom and an escaped felon trying to clear his name whose chances are lost like a grain of sand at a beach, Thomas Haden Church (Serial Killer) is Flint Marko also known to the authorities as the Sandman!

Speaking of beaches, one comes to mind, following her stint with awful films Bryce Dallas Howard (Lady in the Water) is man stealer Gwen Stacy (well technically in the comics she was the first GF…) and up to now she still have no credible film to take her seriously (ehem Mr. Shyamalan…anytime now!)…she usually plays a wide eyed woman who seems to not understand where she is and what she’s still doing there!

As usual, the veterans are still the people you can count on to carry these snot nosed middle aged citizens! Starting with Rosemary Harris (My Life So Far) as Aunt May Parker, J.K. Simmons (Hidalgo) as the notorious media mogul J.J. Jameson who I believe one of the very few who was perfectly casted to play the role!

Pretty much of these films are over hyped that they tend to blow if out of proportion in viral marketing, media and getting sequels compromised. The story was dragging though the plot was intended to be in that direction, it just makes no sense just to overdo things to make life more miserable for Peter Parker, even if he was able to pull it off with friends by his side and this was not given without sacrifice. The story ended with another dead person, a whole lot of rectification and forgiveness and lastly an open ended finish… but it doesn’t mean the story has come full circle!!!

From Director Sam Raimi (Drag Me to Hell) his supposedly installment should have provided a better plot, fans got excited for two villains facing the web head, their powers are even more staggering let alone their respective individual agenda that will literally shake the world of New York City’s celebrated superhero! Instead of focusing on the actual flow of the story, certain sequences of Peter doing his moves at the street, while shopping  and at the bar felt like really awkward and let’s just say “unmanly”!

A new guy has taken the shoes from the previous Director, his name is Marc Webb (nice one Marvel putting a Director with an instant subliminal for his last name) it would be a reboot focusing more on Peter’s high school life making the premise younger and hopefully more action as well as content in Spider-Man’s life! Andrew Garfield is the chosen one and I did saw a video clip of his movie “Never Let Me Go” and it looks promising. I really do appreciate actors with the ability to be diverse and well-rounded. I do hope that he can pull it off with his portrayal of the web slinger or he might get a few pumpkin bombs from the audience pun intended!