4th Of July Double Feature: The Amazing Spider-Man and Rock Of Ages

The Amazing Spider-Man

I'll admit I was one of the many who was shocked and a little annoyed at the announcement there would be a reboot of the Spider-man series. Was Hollywood running out of ideas so quickly they needed to remake a film which had been made in this century already? First it was supposed to be the fourth installment of the Sam Raimi series starring Tobey Maguire. I suppose some studio executive had the brilliant idea of starting all over again from scratch with a new script, director, and actors. Not a surprise it got the green light and the Amazing Spider-man was on it's way. I was on board with those who felt it was completely premature and unnecessary. So I went into the theater already expecting a rehash of the same story with a new face of Peter Parker. I walked away quite pleased at how much I enjoyed it despite the story being revisited all over again. Yes we get an intro to nerdy and bullied Peter pining away for the girl of his dreams while his Uncle Ben nags him about being responsible. Yup been there done that with the 2001 installment. However, it's almost like having the same dream and feeling dejavu yet noticing slight changes. After a while I stopped comparing it to the original and just enjoyed it for what it was. It's still a bit campy, cheesy, and overly sentimental, but it doesn't lay it on too thick like it's predecessor. It has a bit more humor and quite frankly there's much better acting this time around as well. No offense to MaGuire and Dunst, but they both had little chemistry while swooning over each other. I felt a stronger attraction between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Plus I enjoyed the fact that his geeky self wasn't overplayed. He was actually cool even before getting bitten by the spider. The drastic change isn't so much in his confidence, but actual physical strength. The pre-spider Peter has a better sense of himself and what he wants than the 2001 version of pre-bitten Parker did. But enough of the comparisons, this movie stands well on it's own and was well worth the price of admission. I do have a few qualms though. I thought the transition between scenes could have been tighter. Some moments dragged on far too long and I felt myself zoning out. There should have been more of an even tone with the action, serious scenes and as well with the romance (which again I must reiterate is much hotter this time around!). I could have done without some of Parker's remarks to the Lizard Man (I realize that's not really his name but it's fitting) while shooting his webs at him. It made him seem cartoonish and not threatening at all. Peter is a good guy, but he's also dangerous and menacing to those he wishes to demolish and it would seem more intense if he wasn't cracking jokes the entire time. Nonetheless the film worked yet I can already tell there's going to be lots of hate and endless comparisons with the original (which ironically was also hated ten years ago). People just don't like change and love to complain about which they can't control or do better if given the chance. I'd also like to add the special effects were much stronger as well...and made him much more believable as a real life spider. In the end it's a movie based on a comic book and I am not going to nitpick the film to death. I liked it, I liked Garfield, and I was thoroughly entertained. It accomplished what a summer film should. Sidenote: It was great to see former '80s heart throb C.Thomas Howell back on the big screen with his small role in the film. It wasn't so great however to see how drastically he's aged! You don't realize how quickly time is rolling on by until you see faces from the past resurface not looking as youthful as they once did. It threw me for a loop to see a middle aged Ponyboy Curtis and actually took me out of the film for a bit there. Still, I'm glad to see he's getting screen time on the one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer.

Rock Of Ages

I've been a fan of musicals going back to Grease and Little Shop of Horrors just to name a few. The last few entries such as Hairspray and Dreamgirls have been rather lackluster. They were well made, but just didn't have that fun factor. A musical is designed to be infectious and catchy and make the audience feel good. Rock Of Ages succeeded in every aspect! I hadn't seen the Broadway show so I didn't exactly know the plot other than that it involved almost every 1980s classic power ballad. I love '80s rock and recognized 99% of the songs in this film (even if the name of the artist slipped my mind) and it's because these songs were all mega hits at one point in time during that decade. But for those who weren't lucky enough to be raised on '80s music, they should still walk away humming some of those tunes. Despite the film bombing at the box office and getting ripped apart by critics, I held onto some hope this would be an entertaining joyride and I was right. The music is awesome, the acting (for the most part) is well done, and best of all it doesn't take itself seriously but is not a complete farce either. Sure there are some silly moments I could have done without, but overall I found myself really having a blast. It helps to know the lyrics and feel that sense of pleasure when you recognize the opening riff or lyric of a classic ballad. Each song fits perfectly with the story and the moment. It never seemed like overkill to me and I could have listened to them sing (especially on stage) for hours! No question about it, the biggest draw is Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx. I personally have have been a Tom Cruise supporter for some time now. I'm able to look past his real life shenanigans and appreciate him as the fine actor he's consistently been. He completely embraced this character and made him quite fascinating to watch. He could have been any real life mega front man. He is basically an incoherent mess who is too busy drinking and behaving like a sex friend to really get himself together. But when he's on stage boy does he sing his heart out. What a great job! He actually has a semi decent voice and half way through the film I forgot I was even watching Tom Cruise with leather pants and fake tattoos. Adding to his performance is an ensemble cast who are equally joyous to watch..even the usually irritating Russell Brand was on point. Again, there were some off putting moments which were treading on being stupid, but the good outweighed the bad and I found myself caring about what happened and anxiously awaiting the next nostalgic filled tune! It was the fastest two hours I'd experience watching a movie in a while and I look forward to seeing it again. It's a shame it wasn't well received, but I could see this turning into a cult classic of sorts. It has a following, but it just got lost in the middle of this superhero dominated summer season. But if you're interesting in have a little fun and break from the action flicks, I say give this a shot!

My Favorite Summer Films

During this oppressive time of year, I’m able to salvage some enjoyment from watching my favorite so called “summer films”. I’m not talking about summer blockbusters, but rather films which take place outdoors in the heat or just remind me of a certain summer time from the past.  I tend to view movies which coincide with my moods or the weather outside, which happen to go hand-in-hand. So I’m taking this time to mention the ones I watch when it’s hazy, hot, and humid which both lift my spirits and make the season more pleasurable.  

On Golden Pond (1981):

I’ve always been able to enjoy this film even as a younger child, but now as I grow older I am able to inch my way closer to the characters and their fears. I’m not exactly going on eighty years old, but I do feel time is passing me by quicker each year. I also find myself beginning sentences with “when I was younger…” or talking about how much an item cost when I was a kid. I’m starting to lose touch with technology as well. I wouldn’t say I’m fearful of the fast paced changing world, as much as unable to keep up with it. Most of all I fear being a victim of ageism one day. It will happen to all of us eventually. When I watch On Golden Pond I see an elderly man (Norman Thayer) who is obsessed with his demise which is quickly climbing it's way to his front door. He is angry, he is cranky, and he’s hostile that his body and mind aren’t what they used to be. He also has a lack of connection with his daughter which the two must come to terms with before time runs out. What I love most about this film is the scenery and cinematography. I’d love to spend a summer on the lake going fishing and hunting for berries. It always seemed so ideal to me growing up in the city. If I were to finish out my days anywhere it would be in a little cottage house overlooking the sunset and ponds and hearing the loons. So magnificent!

Stand By Me (1986): 

Aside from it taking place on Labor Day weekend, there’s little about this coming of age story that would say it’s a summer film. Still, it’s evident the temperature is hot as they walk along the train tracks and fall into swampy waters. It’s one of my favorite films of all time along with being my favorite Stephen King novella. The acting, the dialogue, the intense emotional moments between these four young men, and above all the humor make it into a classic ‘80s film. It’s a rarity an adapation equals the novella and even exceeds it at times thanks in part to River Phoenix’s moving performance. What a gem he was! Another aspect which makes the film seem like a magical time is the music. My favorite times to listen to golden oldies us during these long hot days and this film is loaded with them. It’s touching, heartbreaking, funny, and a bit gross…not to mention grisly but it makes one appreciate the innocence and almost indescribably painful times youth brings. Sidenote, I need to visit Oregon one day to see that infamous rail road bridge. 

Jaws (1975):

This one goes without saying. It takes place during Fourth of July weekend, on the beach, and was probably the first summer blockbuster in film history. It doesn’t quite have the same effect watching it in the middle of November as it does during this time of year. The menacing soundtrack, the image of the shark closing in on its prey, and of course the legendary lines by the cast all equal to a memorable experience. I’m not a swimmer so I can’t say I was ever lost sleep over being attacked by a killer shark, but I can see why the movie was such a sensation back in 1975 causing people to avoid going into the water. The shark may look fake and but it’s effective in ways a computer generated fish could never be.  Overall it’s an enjoyably frightening and intense summer flick which should be on the top of everyone’s list to watch this weekend.

 

Weekend At Bernie’s (1989):

I’ve never been a fan of comedies, especially ones involving a dead corpse, but this movie is simply hilarious. Again we have a film which takes place on Labor Day weekend on the steamy hazy streets of NYC. There’s nothing sinister going on except for watching Jonathan Silverman and Andrew McCarthy run around with the lifeless Bernie. It’s morbid when you think about it, not to mention highly unrealistic (wouldn’t he start to smell by the second day?) but it’s so campy and ridiculous you just have to laugh. I also think it’s Andrew McCarthy’s finest performance as a comedic actor. Who knew! It’s such a joy to watch and I get kick out of it every time just as easily as Bernie gets kicked around. Har. Har.

 

Summer School (1987):

Another ridiculously silly comedy, but for me it represents summer in such a unique way. School! Most teen comedies start the school year off traditionally in September, but here we have a group of C average students who have to take remedial English again after flunking an assessment exam. Let the fun begin! Seriously it’s a great ride watching Mr. Shoop (played by Mark Harmon) deal with these kids and survive the summer as gym instructor turned English teacher. There’s also the lovely Kirstie Alley who looks so amazing in this film. Once again I have to acknowledge how I used to see her as a middle aged woman when I’d watch this film as a kid. Now I’m horrified to realize she was my age during the filming of this movie. Where has the time gone?! Regardless of my issues, this film is just plain fun. Roger Ebert gave it zero stars basically calling it garbage, but I think he was completely over reacting. Sure it’s moronic and juvenile but it’s a movie about summer school with moronic and juvenile teenagers. I attended summer school twice and it would actually the most enjoyable and education times of my high school existence. Go figure. 

 

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983):

Here’s another no brainer for me. Once again the film takes place during summer time and the family is going on summer vacation to (where else) Wallyworld! This film is reminiscent of my younger days when my family would travel hours by car to Disney World. We didn’t have any catastrophes nearly as chaotic as the ones the Griswolds had to endure, but it wasn’t always smooth sailing either. There’s not much to say about this movie other than its Chevy Chase at his best (and my personal favorite) playing Clark W. Griswold. He’s obsessed with giving his family the perfect getaway and thus causes all types of mishaps along the way and eventually has his break down in front of the family when things cannot possibly get any worse…but they always do! It’s great fun to watch and filmed in my favorite state of California. It’s a romp of a good time watching this family go berserk. And don’t forget about Christie Brinkley and the red Ferrari!

List to be continued…