The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Review: Too Tangled of A Web

Written By: Klancy

I like Spider-man. In fact, if I am being completely honest, if it were not for Spider-man, I probably would never have become a fan of superheroes or comic books. While he may no longer be my favorite superhero, I still have a lot of love for the character, and would want nothing more than to be able to recommend this movie to all of you. But I can’t.

That’s not to say that this is a terrible movie, it’s just not a particularly good one. The reason for this is simple. Too many subplots. There is no way that I can understate this, there is too much happening in this movie, Game of Thrones has less stuff going on. As a result the movie doesn't feel like it has an overarching storyline, but instead just jumps from plot point to plot point. In many ways, this feels like Iron Man 2’s second act. More interested in setting up a sequel than telling a good story. Scenes that are supposed to have an emotional impact feel rushed and empty. The biggest example of this is the films climax, but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone.

All of the actors do their best, but there is nothing here that truly stands out. Stone and Garfield still have an excellent chemistry together, but you can’t help but feel their relationship is just treading water. Newcomer Dane Dehaan probably fairs the best, but he’s characters development is so rushed you never truly feel like you know Harry Osborn. The films other main villain, Electro, meanwhile is quite possible the single most boring villain to the screen in some time. Which is a shame, because he’s character is given several scenes to introduce the character early on, but nothing sticks with you.

On the plus side, the film has some really good action scenes, and this probably is the best web swinging we've seen on film to date. Also major props Hans Zimmer, as this is he’s best score in years, with the standout being Electro theme. 

Wrapping things up, this is a film that is on the edge of being good. With a tighter script and shorter run time, it could have been great. But as is, I don’t feel comfortable recommending it to anyone. If you’re a fan of Spider-man, you may want to wait for DVD, but if you decide to pass on it I can hardly blame you.

I give The Amazing Spider-man 2 a 2.5 out of 5.

Captain America: The Winter Solider Review – A True Marvel

Written By: Klancy

Any long time moviegoer knows this simple truth. There are movies that you walk away feeling good about and there are movies that you walk away feeling bad about. Then there are those that you just walk away in aw of. Captain America: The Winter Solider is one of those movies. To simply state that it is the best film in Marvel’s Second Phase would be grossing understating it. This is not just a solid superheroes movie, this is one of the strongest the genre has ever created. It may be too soon say whether or not it surpasses the Avengers, but if not it is a close second. 

Starting off this is a very different film for Marvel, and is in many ways for most friendly for the audience who normally doesn't enjoy for your typical super hero film. While the elements are still present I would call this a political thriller first, and super hero film second. This opens up a completely new audience for the studio while not alienating the old one. Of course being a political thriller, it’s a hard movie to discuss without spoilers, and I don’t want to be that guy. But rest assured, this may be Marvel’s strongest script to date.

Chris Evans continues to remind everyone why he was perfect for the role of Captain America and Scarlett Johansson is still enjoyable as the Black Widow. Saying that Robert Redford is good in a movie seems rather pointless, as the man is a legend for a reason, and he brings a depth to his character that I was not expecting to see. Samuel L. Jackson once again returns Nick Fury, in easily he’s best appearance to date. This is the first time since the start of the MCU that we have had a chance to delve into his character, and adds layers to his character that have been missing in previous films. 

Without a doubt the break out characters of this film are Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka the Falcon and the villainous Winter Solider. In the hands of lesser screen writers, Sam Wilson could have easily been a one note character, meant solely for comic relief, but that is not the case here. Sam comes across a fully fleshed out character, and his relationship with Steve Rogers feel genuine. This is a star making role Mackie, who I expect to see in a lot more projects in the near future. Also I would regret it if I didn’t mention this, but those wings he uses are easily the coolest thing since the original Iron Man suit. The Winter Solider meanwhile comes across as the single most menacing villain since the start of the Marvel universe. I’m super curious to see where they take his character in the future, because by the end you will be begging for more. 

Rounding out the cast are Emily VanCamp as Agent 13 and Frank Grillo as Brock Rumlow. Both are given supporting roles, and do will in their roles while also setting up further development in future films. 

This film was directed by the Russo Brothers, marking their first big budget action movie. Though to be honest, you will not be able to tell, as they take to it like old pros. This film boast some incredible action scenes that leave your jaw on the floor. Yes, there is some shaky cam, but it it’s also the best use of shaky cam since the original Bourne trilogy. The audience are still able to clearly see what is going, and the effect adds to chaos of the fights. Furthermore, the Russo Brothers are very smart in its use, using it just enough to get the effect without overstaying it’s welcome. If more directors had used this style of filming making as shown here nobody would ever had complain about it to begin with.

Rounding things out this film has an excellent score, possibly the best Marvel has ever had. The film may have a run time of over two hours, but it is so perfectly paced you won’t be able to tell. Is it a flawless film? No, there is no such thing as a perfect movie, but this one comes pretty darn close. Without a doubt Captain America: The Winter Solider is destined to become regarded in the same way Terminator 2 and Aliens are, as sequels which already have an extremely solid base, but took things to a level nobody was expecting. It is my pleasure to give this movie 5 Captain America Shields out of 5.

Timdiana the Reviews: Top 5 Reasons To Like/Dislike Man of Steel

Timdiana returns after a long hiatus. He is join by James of Manic Expression to discuss the controversial 2013 blockbuster: Man of Steel. Find out what the duo both like and hate about Man of Steel

Transformers Age of Extinction Trailer Review

Well the day has come. I figured there would be at least another month before this was released, but I guess I was wrong. Hitting the web today is the first trailer to Transformers: Age of Extinction. This film marks the fourth in the franchise. The new film sees Michael Bay in the director's chair yet again. However this time we will be seeing a whole new cast; not to mention new transformers including the Dinobots. Now before continuing, let me explain something. I HATE this series. Some may say they despise it, but it fails in comparison with my hatred. So you can imagine that this movie would to do a lot to sway me. However, did this trailer change my mind?

As trailers go, I will say that Age of Extinction's preview is not a bad one. The trailer does its jobs at making this summer blockbuster look exciting. However, I have seen this tactic from this franchise. before For the last film, Dark of the Moon, the trailer was outstanding and it was hard not be excited for movie. Unfortunately, the final results to the film did not live up to the trailer's hype. I see the same thing in this trailer. With that said, while I thought some things looked intriguing, I couldn't shake the notion that I have seen all of this before. These shots, these theme, it is all too familiar. Where have I seen them? Why in the past three films. So this realization is not helping my skepticism.

I really don't want to be that guy that says"This movie is going suck" before the film comes out. However, I can't  help but be suspicious about Age of Extinction; and this trailer is not helping. So while this trailer makes it seem that we are in for an entertaining blockbuster, I will say what said seven years ago: proceed with caution.

Transformers: Age of Extinction hits theaters on June 27.

But wait, the trailer features Optimus Prime punching a t-rex in the face. Ok, I'll admit, that's kind of cool. 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 International Trailer Review

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 kicks off the summer lineup this year, and being almost three months away, it is safe to say that we're getting a lot of content for the film. The latest on the film is a three minute international trailer. Now seeing that this trailer is a three minutes, I was a little skeptic to watch. The reason being goes all the back to 2007 when Sony Pictures release a super trailer for Spider-Man 3. The preview gave every plot point and did no favors for the third installment when it hit theaters. So I was worried that this new trailer did the same thing. Was that the case for the new trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2? 

With my skepticism about a three minute trailer, I came out actually liking this video. Sure it was three minutes, but the preview does a great job at showing you this big blockbuster film and not really spoiling anything. For those of you wondering, there is new footage within the trailer. A few lines here, an extra clips, but honestly there is nothing in this trailer that I would consider being a called a spoiler. In my opinion, it's a good mix of a solid trailer

The music of the trailer is phenomenal. We get a quick preview of Hans Zimmer's score at the beginning of the trailer. Then the preview goes into full epic gear with the preview be accompanied by a  modern choir.All and all, the music only intensified the theme behind this major preview.  

It's hard not to be excited for this film after seeing this trailer. It looks as those this new Spider-Man franchise is upping the scale as everything, from the action to the overall scope of the film, just feels bigger. If you haven't seen the trailer yet, I recommend it. In fact, push the play button now!

S.C Blog: Who to Cast: Doctor Strange

S.C Blog: Who to Cast: Doctor Strange:

Welcome to another edition of Who To Cast. In this blog series, we at Something Cinematic look at a character to either an upcoming fil...

Stephen Amell discusses an appearances in Justice League. Why Amell in Justice League Would Be Good!

Earlier today, news was released that Arrow star Stephen Amell was approached by Warner Bros about appearing in the upcoming Justice League project. No doubt Amell would be playing the Emerald Archer Green Arrow and there by connecting the CW series with the DC cinematic universe. The statement went as followed:

"All we have to do for something like that to happen, or even be a possibility, is continue to take care of business with our show and then we put ourselves in a position – but the important thing is our show. I have had discussions, but I think the gestation process for this project is a lot slower than most people think. I mean, they haven't even shot the next one. They haven't even shot a frame of the movie before the movie everyone thinks is the Justice League movie!"

Unfortunately, Amell went on his Facebook Page to comment further about this story and coming to the conclusion that the discussion was false:

"At no point, have I had 'studio level' discussions about any feature films at Warner Bros."

So no, Stephen Amell will not be reprising his role as Green Arrow for Justice League.  How do I feel about this? Well to be honest, I think it's disappointing. The idea of meshing Arrow with the upcoming DC Cinematic Universe seems like a good idea. For starters, a lot of people acknowledge Stephen Amell as Green Arrow. So it wouldn't be hard for moviegoers to see Amell's Green Arrow in a movie. The other thing that could be benefited in connecting the two universes is just the idea of continuity. While the creators of Arrow have their own vision for the Green Arrow story, it wouldn't be that difficult to connect the world of the television series to a movie that features Batman or Superman. I think it would be a harmless transition and would only benefit DC Comics as a whole.

Well perhaps there is more to this story then just this speculation. Maybe there is a chance that Amell will appear in DC Cinematic Universe as Green Arrow. So here's hoping this disapproval of this story is just WB saying "we need to be hush-hush about this and not let this info get leaked". Considering the studios track record, I'm probably wrong. Still, I can dream can't I?