The Amazing Spiderman: Oh what a web they weave

I have been on a superhero kick. Don’t ask me why but I’m addicted (and heavily anticipating the Batman film coming out later this summer). This was not a movie I had planned on seeing though…seeing as this series was just done a few years ago and I had been disappointed with the acting and inconsistencies in the story. But the Amazing Spiderman restored my faith in the red and blue spandex suit. 

The acting was far superior to the originals. I’m sorry but no girl in her right mind can come out of this film without a huge crush on Andrew Garfield. He straddled the line between superhero and geek so naturally and effortlessly. He stole my heart as he was attempting to woo Emma Stone. And he did a great job of providing comic relief. I liked that nothing come easy to him, we see him struggle with his new abilities, and with the whole idea of doing good for others with no return. He just made me want to believe in him. Emma Stone was a much more interesting love interest than Kristen Dunst’s Mary-Jane, who always seemed whiny, vulnerable and slightly annoying to me. I preferred Stone’s character overall, she was smart, took action in any situation and was, in my opinion, a great supplement to Spiderman. Where Dunst seemed to be constantly in trouble and unable to take care of herself, Stone was a strong female role in a male dominated hero story. Rock on girl. 

What really held the story together though was the rich back story that we finally received for Spiderman. Peter doesn’t just get bitten randomly. We learn why he was around those spiders in the first place, how they were created, and about the negatives and positives of inter-species genetics. It was interesting because, though the bad guy was a disgusting lizard hybrid that, I will admit, might haunt my dreams for a week or two, his character balanced Spiderman’s. Both characters were affected by genetically modified species, one reaction was positive and one was negative, making the lizard a much better nemesis than the green goblin. I loved learning about Peter’s parents and why their lives were in danger. It helped to build the story and support motivations for the characters, putting the audience in the loop, thus giving us a better reason to cheer our hero on. 

Noteworthy: The cameo by Stan Lee, creator of Spiderman, was hysterical and much needed comic relief in the middle of a very intense fighting scene. He is also the most adorable old man ever.

Ted: Snuggle bear’s coolest accountant

Before I watched this movie I was on the fence.  There is just something weird about a talking teddy bear that swear, drinks and has sex. Then again, at least it’s an original story. My friends gave it rave reviews, so I went with an open mind, hoping that it would live up to the hype. It did, and here’s why.

Let me premise this by saying that if you are a movie snob and only appreciate academy award winners, this is not for you. But if your open to it, besides delivering laughs, Ted had a romantic comedy-esk plot as well as an overall moral. Go figure. Ya, there are a large number of party scenes where they do crazy things, but what were you expecting? This isn’t the Notebook. Ted may be crude, and at sometimes disgusting (there is a scene where there is a shit on the floor, enough said), but he was a great match for Mark Walhberg’s somewhat innocent and immensely immature character, John. It just made sense that someone so lost would have a talking teddy bear as his best friend. Because, as Mila Kunis character points out, how much can someone grow up if they are still bringing their teddy everywhere? I wonder if the writers meant to give Ted a deeper meaning, or if it just happened, because, surprisingly, this bad-mouthed teddy bear has some wisdom to offer. Ted stops fooling around all the time and gets a job. Mark becomes less selfish, more motivated, and begins building a life for himself and his fiancé. Basically, everyone in the film learns how to grow up, a lesson not easily learned and one that I am currently struggling with.

If you are looking for a great example of a well-written comedic script, this is it. The one-liners were awesome, and some of the jokes so unexpected that it kept me interested when the story dragged a bit in the middle. Though many will argue that the Flash Gordon references were stupid, I think they supplemented the idea of immaturity nicely. Especially since that was one of the most ridiculous shows ever to be created.  Overall, Ted did what it was supposed to. It made me laugh so hard I almost fell out of my seat, and weep for the demise of humanity all at the same time. Sounds like a winner to me.  

Noteworthy: The White Trash name game was hilarious. Apparently Mark Walhberg named off about 50 girls names in 30 seconds just off the the top of his head. Impressive. 

The Avengers: Action Packed Fun

There is just something about a superhero that is appealing. So I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that The Avengers was such a knockout hit. For all you people who were worried that you weren’t going to be able to follow because you aren’t a comic book nerd or you haven’t seen all the prequel films, fear not. Though I wouldn’t call this the  "greatest action film of all time,” like some critics, I am a fan of this motley crew and think that they deserve a place on your radar.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a huge fan of CGI, especially in films where the rest is live. So I thought the aliens that were attacking earth, while weird looking, were kind of lame. The plot itself stems from Thor, so if you haven't watched it you should afterward to get the back story. It was smart to have this be the premesis of the movie, however, because Thor had the best plot of the prequels. And the best villian.

I am a huge Loki fan. I have to say that as far as acting goes, even though he is the bad guy, Loki, played by Tom Hiddleson, was amazing. He wasn't just evil for evil's sake, he had a plan and a purpose. You could see the cracks in the surface of his character, like he used to be put together and now he was slightly off his rocker. He straddled the "in control" and "out of control" line expertly. The rest of the acting was above average. Even though he is a jerk, I love Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man because of his quick wit and truly complex personality. Whoever wrote his lines did a great job.

The set was beautiful, and one of my favorite parts of the movie. The designers nailed the futuristic look that also fit with modern society. They did a great job of differentiating outer space, the secret agent aircraft and our world, giving them all different feels that were equally convincing and real (John Carter take note). The costumer also had a challenge because each superhero was so unique, and unlike most group action heroes (Fantastic 4 or Watchmen, for example) they did not look like they fit together at all, which was important because it supplemented the internal turmoil in the story.

Mostly this movie was enjoyable because their was a lot going on, it was easy to follow, and the characters were heroes. Everyone, regardless of their acting skills, did a great job of getting you to root for them, even Hawkeye who is evil the first half of the movie. Though I don't think that it should have beat out Harry Potter or Titanic for opening week records, I can see how this film could be enjoyed by many, and why it earned the top spot.

2081: Significantly terrifying future

I don’t normally write about short films. If given the choice, most of the time I would rather catch up on the latest TV episodes. But this one is important. It’s not cutesy, or witty. It’s extremely sad and kind of terrifying. Based on the short story, Harrison Bergeron, written by Kurt Vonnegut’s, 2081 is the type of movie that even though it will only take 20 minutes of your time, will impact your entire way of thinking. 

It is insane to me that people would want to be equal to the point of losing all sense of self. I have always strived to be as much as an individual as possible, and believed that achieving greatness was a top priority. But instead, imagine the world presented here. Those who are strong bear heavy weights to slow them down, those who are smart are given earpieces that let out sounds to disrupt their thinking, and those who are beautiful wear masks to hide beneath. 

If you read the comments on the Youtube page you’ll see that this is very controversial. Some think the story is stupid, but I think it’s an important literary allegory.  It is obviously a hyperbole, or exaggeration, but it begs the question, is such a future, one in which we all must be equal to the point of extinction, so far off?

If you don’t want to get into the political and social implications of this piece, then at least consider the beauty of it. The music is perfectly placed and appropriate, as are the camera angles and the additions to the script. The acting is extremely well done, I was especially impressed with the unyieldingness of the Handicapper General and the emotions of Harrisons father who truly had to go through the wringer, but in the end forget why. It is moving. Another thing to point out is the only one with a name is Harrison, another distinction that set him apart from the masses. 

No matter what you believe, I hope you watch this film and think about it. Hard. Consider what you want for your future and pray like hell that the world never looks down on those who are lucky enough to be special, as I think we all are.

TV Interlude: FRIENDS

Last night, I settled in for the final episode of Friends. I circulate the seasons at night because I am so comfortable with the show, and know it so well that I literally can stay up and watch or fall asleep comfortably to the sound of their voices. Either way, I feel like it is running through my head constantly. But I stay away from two episodes like the plague because they will make me ball like a baby. The first is the break up episode in season 3, “The One with the Morning After,” (yes I know, it’s pathetic that I know the names of the episodes). Anyone who has ever been cheated on knows that it is a feeling that you don’t want to relive, and every time I watch this episode all I can think about is the jerk who broke my heart. It feels just like that too, you are exhausted all the time and that person is forever changed in your mind, tainted somehow.

The other one is “The Last One” because, well, it’s the end of something, and lord knows I don’t deal with endings well. It is perfect in the fact that it is not actually sad at all, the jokes are well times as usual, the plots wrap up the way you want them to. But for some reason every time Rachel shows up and says “I got off the plane” tears stream down my face. It’s the perfect ending to a ten-season story. It is the ending that we dream for, but seldom get. It is bittersweet, wonderfully entertaining television. 

I am a firm believer in the fact that Friends episodes can solve any problem, if you stay away from the above mentioned episodes for the above mentioned reasons. It’s never not amusing to see Monica in a fat suit, or watch Chandler be girly, or see Ross sport the worst fake tan in the history of the world. Flashbacks are always good stories, and some of my favorite episodes are about nothing,  like the one where they are all just trying to get ready to leave (season 3), or the one with Unagi. The genius is that you can walk in on any episode and feel like you understand and are invested. If you are a diehard like me, by the end of the series these characters were so well developed, in depth, and quirky that they really did feel like friends. You knew how neurotic they were and it made them all the more endearing. 

If you’ve never given it a chance, you should. I have hooked so many people on this show I can’t even count.  The writing is quirky and heartwarming, and no matter how many times I watch these episodes I want more. It is the only show that I have ever felt that way about, and it is the only show that I haven’t gotten annoyed with characters or bored with story lines (I’m a tough critic).

Fav description: 6 normal people. No Sex. Bad Jobs. Hit Show. Go Figure. I guess some things are just meant to be. 

Noteworthy: Still making an impact, here is a recent Friends article that I adore:  http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2012/05/friends-oral-history-top-of-the-rock?mbid=social_retweet

When Harry Met Sally: Iconic in Every Way

I was bored yesterday after work, but didn't feel like finding a movie on Netflixs that was going to disappoint me, so I popped in the old stand by. Harry Met Sally is the ultimate rom-com, and one of my favorite movies to watch over and over again. There is just something about Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan and the magic of watching the greatest character development of all time.  Any critic will tell you that this film is iconic, but here is why I love it and think you all should give it a chance. 

The plot if somewhat complex, but works. Spanning Harry and Sally’s meetings by five years makes time progress naturally, and also lending to the building of their relationship. Harry and Sally did not see each other and fall head over heels, which, in my opinion is fantastic. Actually, at first they hate each other. But their paths continue to cross and they realize that they balance each other the way that two lovers should.

Though I am the first to admit that Billy Crystal as a player is a bit of a stretch, he steals my heart every time and I find myself falling for it even though I have never known any players that wear cable-knit sweaters. Meg Ryan is brilliant. She plays OCD so well. I love the way they made her ordering so specific and over the top. I think we all know people like this, who just want what they want the way they want it and really, there is nothing wrong with that. Both characters start off a bit annoying and grow into themselves. The writer did a fantastic job of keeping their ideals the same, but letting them mature and have multiple sides.

The big debate for this film is whether or not men and women can be friends. Age old question that I think is the cornerstone to most relationships, and likewise, is the basis for this film. No matter what you believe, I can;t help but notice that the story really supports both sides. Sure Harry and Sally are friends for a long time, but it ends up becoming something more, so doesn't that actually support the idea that they can't be friends? Harry may have a point. They couldn't be friends, they were meant to be more. 

Following the idea of development, one of my favorite things that they did was showcase other couples at breaks in the story, who talk about how they met and how they fell in love. Each couple ends by saying how long they have been together which is normally 35, 45 or 50 years. Most movies today talk about beautiful people getting together and how hot and heavy it is, but we never see something that lasts. They get together for the last scene, but i think it is way more powerful to show the couples who, maybe aren't perfect, but exemplify the relationships we all want. Something real.

Noteworthy: Shout out to the writers who have perfected one liners. I use the saying "white-man's overbite" all the time.
Second shout out to the Sally's hair stylist. If I haven't won you over, you must see this movie for the great 80's hair and clothing. Brilliant. 

TV Interlude: Mad Men

Working for an ad agency makes it essential to watch this show, though I have to say that I don’t get it because at my job I am surrounded by so many women it’s funny. But we are also small scale, so fighting for recognition is a little different. Still, it was demanded of me that I find out what this series is about and, though I am not caught up yet, I have a few thoughts…

First off, the genius of the show lies in the fact that Don Draper is a dog, I mean a truly awful person, but for some reason you root for him. Even when he is trying to hook up with girls that aren’t his wife, like the Jewish store owner in the first season, I’m secretly thinking “come on, just give him a chance.” Weird considering the fact that the reason I dislike most of the other characters is because they are consistent cheaters. 

It is this dislike of the mousey Peggy, and the slimy Pete that makes me want to skip their storyline completely. Is it just me or do they both just constantly whine? It’s the fact that I feel so bad for her and the other wives that I listen to Betty’s woes. They are silly and trivial, but the poor girl can’t help it. I am, however, intrigued by the Barbie-like Joan, who seems to have the whole feminist act down pat. She uses her sexiness the way that many girls do at bars now-a-days, so intentionally and purposefully that the male counterparts don’t realize how manipulative she is. I wonder if guys today have caught on yet. 

The acceptance of cheating and of this lavish lifestyle that the ad men led has me hooked though. I want to see if they will destroy their careers, because, despite it all, they are mildly talented. It is amazing that these lifestyles were the norm in the 1950’s, and that the wives of these men put up with it as much as they did. The tangled dishonest web is hidden by an outer image that is glamorous and wonderful and that is why, I believe, people are hooked. We want to see what will break through. 

I’m only the first season in, so I have yet to make my final decision. 

And, because I bore easily, look out for more TV interludes in the future.