Roll-M - Movie Reviews |
Spider-Man (starring Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson; screenplay by David Koepp, based on the Marvel comic by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko; directed by Sam Raimi; Rated PG-13.)
I must begin by saying that I have never read a Spider-Man comic, and when it comes to superheroes dressed in red and blue costumes with tights, I’ve always preferred Superman. That may be changing.
Spider-Man has set the bar for summer movies. Yes, we know that Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones will have opened by the time this review is printed and the lines will be endless, the grosses will kill all the competition, and people will be discussing its mythology for months if not years to come. Which is a good thing for those of us who hate long lines, yet love exciting comic book-type films. Spider-Man is the answer.
As entertaining as they come, Spider-Man is just downright fun to watch. It was directed by Sam Raimi, who also directed a number of episodes of TV’s “Xena, Warrior Princess” – watch for a cameo by Lucy “Xena” Lawless. The characters are well drawn, and the action is tempered by quiet moments and subtle humor. Tobey Macguire is convincing as the 98-pound weakling who is bitten by a genetically engineered spider and evolves into the eponymous creature who could almost be called Spider-Boy at this point. His Kafkaesque metamorphosis is riveting as he tries out various costumes, learns to handle his new-found superpowers, and eventually reaches his full Spider-Man potential (with a little romance thrown in for spice).
This movie will still be weaving its spell and drawing us into its enjoyable web throughout the summer. Don’t miss it! (And, of course, watch for sequels — Spider-Man II begins filming next January.)
Owl rating 4 ½ out of 5
Fast as the wind! Strong as the Sun! Wild as the place he called home. (I am not making this up – these are lines from this animated movie’s promotional hype.)
Another summer fantasy, this time for the younger set. Spirit is a Disneyesque horse of the Old West, born free but once out of his young colthood, he’s captured by the “bad” U.S. Cavalry and saved by the “good” Native American (times sure have changed!). The story may be a bit clichéd as the young stallion may be captured, but his spirit (get it?) can never be broken. But the movie is still a bit pleasant viewing and will do well with young adolescent girls who are inevitably drawn to horses during those early teen years. Hans Zimmer’s score is also on target.
For some nice clips and some of the film’s music, visit the official website: http://www.dreamworks.com/spirit.
Owl rating 3 / 5
Owls are out of five possible