Spider-man. The evergreen superhero based on the Marvel comic.
Sam Raimi had poured his life into the series, commissioned by Sony in the three popular parts the first in 2002 and the third in 2007. What the problem, that most comic lovers were worried was that there was no scope for exploring in a new part. There were so many deviations in the story from the comic, that coming back was not a possibility. This was when Sony started pushing for a reboot of the series, right from origin. Tobey Maguire, Sam Raimi were reluctant and then emerged a new team. Marc Webb, famous for his beautifully fresh romantic comedy "(500) Days Of Summer" was put in charge and a rising star Andrew Garfield (Eduardo from Social Network) as the new face of the franchise. Comic fans will appreciate the fact that the new series is based on the Ultimate Spider-Man series and not the classic. Anyways, getting back to the movie, Webb has attempted to recreate a popular series, failure of which would be disastrous for the franchise and Sony. To be clear, this is not a rehash by any means, but a reboot. Getting into the details:
Performances:
Andrew Garfield: Taking on the role of an epic superhero maybe the toughest challenge any actor may face. Garfield has done a good job as Peter Parker portraying the turmoil of a high schooler undergoing a physical and emotional transformation. Paying attention to detail, the theatre trained British actor, turns out fine in the drama sequences. Because the portrayal is now of a younger and definitely suaver Spider-man, Garfield gets away with his slim frame. A cheerful, geeky (cheeky?) introvert and an amateur superhero learning to define his limits, Garfield has helped shift perspectives, almost toppling Tobey Maguire as Spidey. Considering how the series pans out, the casting team can pat themselves on the back.
Emma Stone: For those wondering, there is no MJ in this movie. Instead, spider-man's romantic interest is now Gwen Stacy, relegated earlier to a smaller role and the girlfriend of Eddie Brock. Emma does a neat role, without any over-the-top melodrama, showing a sweet, sensible girl who realizes the perils of dating a superhero boyfriend. A definite improvement over the older versions. She with Garfield makes a pretty pair, and adds to the charm of the movie.
Rhys Ifans: He is the antagonist, playing Dr.Curtis Connors/Lizard , the brilliant scientist at Oscorp and the best friend of Peter's dad. Rhys plays a personality split between a innocuous researcher wanting his amputated arm back and a devilish mutant mastermind who wants the world to tread in his steps. Ifans delivers a subdued performance, maybe a bit too tame. He lacks the menace you identify a villain with and you cannot see him wanting to convert into Lizard.
Others: Denis Leary as George Stacy is adequate. Martin Sheen made me wonder why he wasn't cast as Uncle Ben earlier. He fits the role to a T. Sally Field as Aunt May is a good choice too.
Technical aspects:
There is no purpose in revisiting the story, since it is something which most of us already know. But this movie is more Parker than Spidey, but not just because it is a origins film. You can actually connect to the character, make yourselves believe that the man behind the mask is actually Peter. The movie is unabashedly warm, does not flinch in being dramatic. Changing the director of the story has provided a fresh viewpoint for the audience. The difference in the two origin films is not by any means subtle (like the shifts in Harry Potter series each time a new director took over) but so huge, it almost looks like they are two radically contrasting ways of which a story can be impressed on. The primary shift of perspective results in the movie going in the points-of-view of the characters rather than the universal view. That is, the director to take forward the story puts you in the shoes of each character and not at a vantage point wherein you can enjoy a disinterested view of the happenings. And that lends the story more credibility and gives a new feel to the franchise. The director deserves a mention for the portrayal of how in the end, Gwen Stacy understands why Peter does what he does, breaking a sickening trend to depict female leads incapable of comprehension.
There are umpteen loop-holes in the plot, like a stranger gaining access to a corporation's innards. But where it lacks in logic, it attempts to make up in magic. Peter's school scenes are brief, the training/learning stages also shorter. Webb attempts to maintain reasonable continuity wherever possible. Peter is shown as a reasonable geek having enough knowledge to develop a remote controlled dead bolt, before suddenly thrusting him into complicated cross-species genetics and decay rate equations. The screenplay is smooth, with an underlying almost fairy-tale like glossiness where you dare to believe that nothing can go wrong. (Contrast this with the Dark Knight!) Peter's use of mobile phones, voice mail, internet all indicate how well integrated modern technology is integrated into our lives, earning the director brownie points for realism. The cinematography is handled well, the action sequences well woven. However, this installment lacks the adrenaline thrills and the breath taking stunts that made the older movies popular and instead opted for plain but straightforward and hard-hitting episodes. The music is dull and often feels mundane.
Ahaa, aithe naakenti?:
Spiderman series anagane must-see, tappaka chudali ane interest untundi. Kaaranam action sequences. Indulo avi kavalsina mothadula lo lekapovadam chaala mandiki disappointment kaliginchagaladu. Ee movie ni spiderman life ni oka overall view point lo chupinchtaniki try chesaru. Dull ga undi anukune vallaki manavi, idi first movie, vache chaala movies ki manchi punadi. Slow ga batting start chesadu ani Dravid ni test matches lo teeseyyaru ga!! Nenu cheppina daani prakaram porapadi idi art movie anukokandi, just kunchem masala takkuva ante.
Telugu lo teeste:
Mana telugu cinemalalo prati hero superhero ne. Just spiderman la web ledu anna mata e kaani, ivanni mana herolu avaleela ga chesaru, chestunnaru. Comedylu aapi gattiga aalochiste, anna gaaru superman cinema tappa telugu lo vachina super hero movies aithe emi levu (bharateeyudu,aparichitudu laantivi kuda unnayi anukondi). Ee cinemani as it is ga teeyalem kaani mythological movies anta chakkaga chese manam, ee genre lo enduku try cheyyakudadu ani alochinchandi. Kaaranam, manaki superhero comics culture lekapovatamena, inkemaina unda?
Overall ga:
Go ahead and watch the movie. It is in no way an exceptional superhero movie, rather it is an exception to the trend of most superhero flicks. Sensitive, bright and likable, this movie holds promise for the rebirth of the franchise. And of course, Stan Lee's guest appearance!
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