Just a year and a half ago this was the most I ever payed to see a movie at the theater. I saw it in 3-D and Imax. But it was cool to see it well-technified, I guess. Most people that the Spider-Man franchise was the fastest to ever get the 'starting over' treatment, especially 5 years after the disappointing Spider Man 3. Though it would have been great had the franchise continued on, who knows how it really would have ended. Rather than waste time, I guess mostly focus on the 'new' Spider-Man series. The second just opened yesterday. I do plan on seeing it real soon.
The movie starts from scratch, somewhat similar to the first Spider Man movie (2002) in how Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) gets bit by the 'spider' and develops into 'Spider-Man'. The big difference is his love interest; this time around its Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), whose father is the head of the big police department. Also, a different villain, the Lizard (Rhys Ifans), who mutated from Peter's mentor/hero Dr. Connors. It's basically a recycled but cool Superhero plot, with some variations here and there. Another subplot being used from the original series involves his uncle/guardian (Martin Sheen) being killed.
I've never read the original comic books, so I'm not sure if this is story was adapted from it. It wouldn't surprise me if it was though. I'd say this was put together real well. At the same time, I feel this was also missing something, but I don't know what. That's how I felt about Batman Begins. Some agreed with me on that. Great performances were put on by Sally Field (who plays Peter's aunt), Stone, and Garfield. It is easy to forget that Garfield is from England, and he always uses his British accent away from the camera.
I'd say this was a great reboot, and I expect bigger things to come with this new franchise. That way, this one will be remembered for generations. I trust that it will, given the fact that it got a jumpstart.
My rating: 7 out of 10
Showing posts with label sally field. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sally field. Show all posts
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Friday, April 25, 2014
04/25: Mrs. Doubtfire
It was just recently announced that a sequel to Mrs. Doubtfire is in development, with Robin Williams returning. Then I thought it would be a good time for me to write about one of my favorite movies from my pre-teen years. The movie came out in late 1993, and I was in sixth grade. This was one of those movies that became a part of me for the longest time.
Williams, in one of his best comedic roles, plays Daniel Hillard, who gets a divorce from his wife, Miranda (Sally Field). To make matters worse, he loses custody of his three children because of his unstable lifestyle, as in his ability to keep a job, lack of disciplinary skills, etc. Daniel, a voice actor, takes up work at a TV studio, while trying to rebuild his life. He is also informed that his ex-wife is hiring a housekeeper to look after the kids, so he quickly enlists his brother (a makeup artist) to make him a woman! The result is Mrs. Doubtfire, who is hired on, and immediately becomes a family fixture. Daniel enjoys his double life, while at the same time unhappy with Miranda's new love interest (Pierce Brosnan). Keeping his alter ego a secret becomes nonetheless a challenge!
A great family fun movie, with a few dark humor bits mixed in here and there. But it totally fits the definition of a perfect comedy: one that keeps you laughing throughout the movie, and it all turns out with a lesson and a happy ending. The lesson is about the importance of family, and keeping your life in order. How important are your children? What will you do for them? How far will you go for them? The answer for Daniel Hillard is obviously painted here. Many men can relate to Daniel, and luckily I don't think a lot of women can relate to Miranda. Even though Sally Field does a great performance in that movie, unfortunately I don't think careers are better than kids. Sorry, but that's just how I feel. I do think the real lesson learned in this movie is that people do change, for the best.
And going back to the sequel....I can already say it's not a great idea. I do agree with Chris Columbus's comments on the Mrs. Doubtfire character, about her being wasted (no not in a drunken way!). He wants to use her for better measures, since she is ageless. The sequel is not a new idea as I remember reading about it on imdb probably a decade ago and so many negative user comments flooded the page. Luckily Robin Williams rejected it (or them), but apparently he is on board for the new movie. As if his hit TV show wasn't enough....
p.s. If you have the DVD or Blu-ray, check out the deleted scenes, which mostly feature Polly Holliday, who plays grumpy Gloria, the Hillard's neighbor. In different cut scenes, Daniel 'poisons' her flowers!
My rating: 9 out of 10
Williams, in one of his best comedic roles, plays Daniel Hillard, who gets a divorce from his wife, Miranda (Sally Field). To make matters worse, he loses custody of his three children because of his unstable lifestyle, as in his ability to keep a job, lack of disciplinary skills, etc. Daniel, a voice actor, takes up work at a TV studio, while trying to rebuild his life. He is also informed that his ex-wife is hiring a housekeeper to look after the kids, so he quickly enlists his brother (a makeup artist) to make him a woman! The result is Mrs. Doubtfire, who is hired on, and immediately becomes a family fixture. Daniel enjoys his double life, while at the same time unhappy with Miranda's new love interest (Pierce Brosnan). Keeping his alter ego a secret becomes nonetheless a challenge!
A great family fun movie, with a few dark humor bits mixed in here and there. But it totally fits the definition of a perfect comedy: one that keeps you laughing throughout the movie, and it all turns out with a lesson and a happy ending. The lesson is about the importance of family, and keeping your life in order. How important are your children? What will you do for them? How far will you go for them? The answer for Daniel Hillard is obviously painted here. Many men can relate to Daniel, and luckily I don't think a lot of women can relate to Miranda. Even though Sally Field does a great performance in that movie, unfortunately I don't think careers are better than kids. Sorry, but that's just how I feel. I do think the real lesson learned in this movie is that people do change, for the best.
And going back to the sequel....I can already say it's not a great idea. I do agree with Chris Columbus's comments on the Mrs. Doubtfire character, about her being wasted (no not in a drunken way!). He wants to use her for better measures, since she is ageless. The sequel is not a new idea as I remember reading about it on imdb probably a decade ago and so many negative user comments flooded the page. Luckily Robin Williams rejected it (or them), but apparently he is on board for the new movie. As if his hit TV show wasn't enough....
p.s. If you have the DVD or Blu-ray, check out the deleted scenes, which mostly feature Polly Holliday, who plays grumpy Gloria, the Hillard's neighbor. In different cut scenes, Daniel 'poisons' her flowers!
My rating: 9 out of 10
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