The Amazing Spider-Man (4)

(Trailer) 

Too soon? Maybe. Better cast? Totally. Better? Not necessarily.

I am one of the few to admit these days that I really like the original Spider-Man movies. Yes, a part of me even enjoyed the third one even though most of it was just terrible. Besides Kirsten Dunst and my general not liking or her I liked them...but I like all comic book to movie films. at least, so far.

I found the new casting to be refreshing, even right down to uncle Ben. The new director, Marc Webb, helped shape the new feel. I liked that they were more true to the comic books and that they didn't add extra love scenes or make it about love. Yes, his relationship helps mold him but not compared to the lose he experiences throughout his life.

I liked how Andrew Garfield (Never Let Me Go, The Social Network) was awkward, clumsy and didn't seem supernatural. I liked how his strength was not just in his physical enhancement but by his mind via his inventions to suit his needs. I liked how he was young and believable as a teenager and that his quirkiness made him more personable to me.

I never have anything but amazing things to say about Emma Stone (The Help, Crazy Stupid Love) . I doubt I ever will. She is awesome and I want to be her best friend. Her outfits were pretty gross even for the nerdy/professional girl in school but her acting did not suffer the embarrassing clothes.

I didn't like this movie more or less than the original and it would take too long to explain why but the stories were quite different and while the first one suited my younger aged needs cinematically, this movie impressed me more with it's realistic quality, acting and general feel for the movie. So, I like them both but for completely different reasons.

Note: there is still cheese in this movie. The last ones had many and this one had it's fair share too but these are meant for kids too so cut it some slack.

Give this movie a chance. Don't shy away because it's too soon or you didn't like the third one from the last series or because you think the story is over done. This is new and should be treated as just that.

Check it out.

Bonus: The 3D was pretty awesome, not going to lie.

4/5

(1 whole point of the cast)


ADSENSE HERE

No Impact Man (3.5)

(Trailer) 

2009 documentary about a 5th avenue family choose to give up their comfortable lives to attempt to live a year without any net environmental impact. 

While the 'stars' of this documentary (aka the family that decided to try this experiment) were annoying at times, it was the fact that while watching this movie I had internal reflections on my own life that made it amazing. While watching this film I felt happy of what I had achieved so far in terms of helping the planet and lowering my foot print followed by knowing that it wouldn't take that much more effort to lower it even more. It made it seem obtainable and actually fun to try. 

The experiment itself had huge holes. I questioned the strange rules they made for themselves that they gave up when it came to their careers but were so strict about their personal lives. Sure, it is easy to be cautious in your own home but out in the public and at work it is harder. I would've liked to have seen more restrictions there...but, as they say many times, it's a start for them. I give them credit for that thought. 

Regardless if you agree or disagree with the idea behind this documentary it is the fact that it brings up an issue that is only effecting our lives more and more and will not stop growing unless we make ourselves aware of all sides of the issue. This movie helps grasp a side of that problem. 

I also am questioning everything I put in the garbage and THAT is a big deal. Inspiration and information are what documentaries are all about. 

3.5/5 

ADSENSE HERE

Wrath of the Titans (3.5)

(Trailer) 

2012 action/fantasy movie by Jonathan Liebesman: A new evil is arising and as the power of the Gods wains it is up to one demi-God to save the planet.

I know a lot of people would shake their heads at my 3.5 rating but I honestly liked this movie. It was exactly what I thought it would be but without the shock of  that Clash of the Titans had as I knew what to expect. It also didn't completely change one of my favourite childhood films ever...so...I liked it. I enjoy history/legends (even though I know they stretched a few myths) and I like unnecessary action now and again and that is exactly what I got.

Still...Sam Worthington's acting was not better. Some of the scenes were pretty bad and the dialogue was hilarious but he can handle the action scenes but not much more. I hate how they still feel it necessary to have an unneeded love interest in these kids of movies. Trust me, ruthless action will be enough for us. Blood wins hearts just as much as love (or at least I think).

If you didn't mind the first one give this one a chance. If you like Greek tales and creatures/myths check it out. You may be surprised by how entertaining it is; just like me.

Bonus: Liam Neeson (Unknown, The A-Team). Always. Even if his costumes are ridiculous.

3.5/5 ADSENSE HERE

Dark Days (3)

(Trailer) 

Directed by Marc Singer, this documentary profiles the lives of several homeless people in New York city who live in the undergound tunnels of the public transit system.

I am not entirely sure when this movie was filmed but it was released in 2000. It won a bunch on Sundance awards including audience pick and I can understand why.

The world that unfolds before you in this documentary is nothing like you could've imagined. Actually, most of it seems unreal. The people, the life style and the whole film seems like it couldn't have existed. But it did. And not too far from home either.

While this film was continuously surprising and interesting, the pace was slow and the scenes included didn't give much insight into the people that are introduced. I did like that they focused on several people but at the same time that meant that they were restricted in how much of each persons every day life they could show. That made it drag at times as I felt that they only showed the surface of what the movie could've been.

Still...crazy.

3/5 ADSENSE HERE