Category: Spider-Man Franchise

Principal Cast : Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze, Reid Scott, Jenny Slate, Melora Walters. Synopsis:  When Eddie Brock acquires the powers of a symbiote, he will have to release his alter-ego “Venom” to save his life. ****** I admit, I was among the cynical horde who decried Sony’s decision to push forward with its Spider-Man-free franchise when they were effectively forced to strike a deal with Disney-held Marvel Studios for the co-rights to the famous web-slinger. What the MCU didn’t get, however, were Spider-Man’s rogues gallery, of which…

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An increase in character numbers, a surfeit of action, and plenty of Peter/Gwen angst makes for a jam-packed movie, a movie so jam-packed it cannot sustain itself outside of a couple of well made action set-pieces. Logic goes out the window, the film often disregards its own internal common sense at times, and much of the character development falls flatter than a squashed insect, making this Spider-Man adventure relatively hollow at the end of the day. Superficially exciting and most assuredly the definition of a “blockbuster”, a more detailed look into the film’s working uncover a raft of problems that make it merely another brightly colored turkey.

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Lengthy, yet crucially fast-paced this revamp of the Spider-Man franchise delivers another version of the Origin Story, albeit in a fresh and invigorating manner. Garfield is wonderful as Spidey, Emma Stone is the definitive Gwen Stacey (sorry Bryce Howard) and Ifans’ performance as the tragic villain is solid back-up. Overall, a pleasant diversion and a great take on Spider-Man, and I can’t wait to see where they take this next.

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– Summary – Director :  Sam Raimi Year Of Release :   2004 Principal Cast :  Tobey Mcguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina, Rosemary Harris, JK Simmons, Donna Murphy, Daniel Gilles, Willem Dafoe. Approx Running Time :   127 Minutes Synopsis:  Spider-Man meets his match in the evil Doc Oc, a former scientist who has four gigantic robotic arms fused to his back in an experiment gone wrong. What we think :   One of the best comic-book films ever made – certainly one of the best sequels of all time –…

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– Summary – Director :  Sam Raimi Year Of Release :   2002 Principal Cast :  Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, JK Simmons, Rosemary Harris, Cliff Robertson, James Manganiello, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Papajohn. Approx Running Time :   121 Minutes Synopsis:   Bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker wakes to discover he has mutant abilities akin to that of an arachnid: he can climb walls, shoots web fluid from his wrists, and has heightened strength and senses. As he learns to control his powers, he must also face down…

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– Summary – Director :   Sam Raimi Year Of Release :   2007 Principal Cast :  Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Hayden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, JK Simmons, Dylan Baker, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, James Cromwell. Approx Running Time :   139 Minutes Synopsis:   Spider-Man must battle a villain known as Sandman, but also a dark version of himself known as Venom. What we think :   Tiresome, overburdened Spider-Man franchise entry has plenty to offer but very little substance or nuance. It’s all bloat, all overkill,…

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