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Quint shoots his webbing all over SPIDER-MAN 2!!!
SPOILER ALERT !!
Ahoy, squirts! Quint, your friendly neighborhood seaman, here with this salt's opinion of the much anticipated SPIDER-MAN 2.
I'm not going to delve into any plot synopsis. If you've seen the trailers and TV spots you already know more than enough about this film. I might dip into some spoilers below, but I'll make sure to give you folks fair warning before I do. If you want to be completely spoiler-free (which I would advise) then leave this review knowing that I loved it. The film has the hands-down best Super-Hero Vs Super-Villain fight scenes ever burned onto celuloid and run at 24 frames per second. BUT, I will say that you may want to lower your expectations a bit. That awesome quote from Ebert calling it the best superhero film of all time is a bit much. The film isn't perfect, but it's damn close. Go in expecting to have a good time and for the first time really see a Spider-Man comic book come to life. I only worry that overhype may bring out the minor imperfections of the film that to me are so slight they almost bear not even mentioning here.
Starting off, I liked the first SPIDER-MAN film. I liked it, but I had gone geek crazy before release and watched every clip, trailer, TV spot and played the video game before I saw it. In doing all that, I had seen at least 85% of Spidey in action above the city and the film held no real first discovery. I thought the Goblin was a big missed opportunity... was it just me or would Willem Dafoe be creepier standing in line at the grocery store than in that mask? His grin is evil, why they didn't use prosthetics is beyond me. But, I loved Dafoe in the role. Tobey Maguire is a great pick for Puny Parker, although I think they didn't spend nearly enough time SHOWING his scientific skill.
I didn't like Rosemary Harris as Aunt May... she didn't embody the character either physically or emotionally for me. Kirsten Dunst should have been Gwen Stacy, but I suppose I can buy her Mary Jane (especially after her work in the sequel, but I'll get to that in a minute). I loved everything else about the first film, though. J.K. Simmons erased any image of R. Lee Ermey in the role of J. Jonah Jameson that I had had in my mind after years of comic reading. So, long story short, I liked the first film, but didn't flip for it.
I flipped for SPIDER-MAN 2. Scene for scene, fight for fight, character for character this movie takes a gigantic leap ahead of the first film. A lot of that, I believe, has to do with Sam Raimi. On the first film it felt a little like Raimi was supressing his quirks that we all love... to me it almost felt as if he was a little intimidated by the size and importance of the picture and thought it best to keep it as straight forward as possible. This time he's King Cock and full of all the confidence in the world. This movie actually feels like a Sam Raimi picture. You EVIL DEAD freaks will pop a woody when you see Doc Ock's "operation" scene. Chainsaws, women screaming and low to the ground sweeping camera moves... Oh yeah...
Getting a little into mild spoiler territory here, Alfred Molina rules the earth as Otto Octavious, pre and post accident. Before the accident Molina plays him as hurried, but warm and giddy with the excitement of his dream and life's work finally coming to fruition. His love for his wife is evident in the little screentime they share. Post accident he's menacing and badass. The conversations he has with his tentacles (I know that sounds a little awkward out of context, but wait 'til you see it!) are glorious. The tentacles themselves are deadly and very threatening.
Toby Maguire comes back to the role not much changed from the first movie. He feels a little bit more at ease carrying the film and has some really great emotional moments between himself and Aunt May, but more importantly he seems to captured the joy and fun of being Spider-Man. I liked Rosemary Harris a lot more in the role of Aunt May this time around. There's one scene in the movie that justifies her being cast to me... the scene when she's trying to give Peter some money. The look of embarrassment and embarrassed anger in her teary eyes is heartbreaking. I still don't 100% like her in the role, but at the very least they cast a good actress and are starting to give her more Aunt May-like dialogue.
Also better in the sequel are the characters of Harry Osborn and Mary Jane. Kirsten Dunst still isn't my ideal Mary Jane, but her last line in the film is classic Mary Jane delivered with just enough sexy sass. James Franco has a lot more to work with this time around. His inner turmoil is much darker and it's clear that he's being bred to be a villain in the near, near future. I just hope when that happens he decides to "improve" upon the Green Goblin design. (BTW, in the comics Harry Osborn is NOT Hobgoblin, but The Green Goblin taking his father's materials). J.K. Simmons rules the earth as J. Jonah Jameson. Damn near everything that came out of his mouth had me gut-laughing.
I was drawn deep into the world of SPIDER-MAN from frame one and was never disinterested. There is a lull in the middle, but I never felt the film dragging. I think some people might take issue with some of the over-the-top imagry and dialogue, but as someone who grew up refusing to read any comics other than SPIDER-MAN and X-MEN every over-stated line of dialogue felt ripped right from the pages of the book. Unfortunately, there will be those who will take these few moments as an excuse to themselves above the material. We had a couple "critics" do this at our screening and it makes me sad that people like them feel the need to prove that they're too cool for school.
The movie will make bundles of money and will give millions of fans wide grins that they will carry with them for hours after the movie. I can't wait to see what Raimi and Co have in store for us with Spidey 3!!!
-Quint
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+ Expand All
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and fuck it fells good, cant wait to see this film!!
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This films smells much better than the first. Everytime Green Goblin was on camera, it looked like a scene from the Power Rangers. EVERYTIME!!!
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Anyway, I was completly underwhemed by the first film but the trailers for this one have sparked my interest. The FX aren't so cartoony, the villain (the guy was in the greatest film of all time afterall, if for only a few minutes)is better than the goblin (not a hard feat to acheieve) and it gave off a distinctive Superman II vibe, which is cool. So yeah, I'll check it out. Second week late night of course, when all the little bastards have already seen it and I can hear the thing.
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Jun 25, 2004 9:39:19 PM CDT
Am I the only person in the United States who doesn't give a shi
by christianzane
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Lindsay Lohan is the spitting image of Mary Jane Watson.
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Oh my God that's so sad. As for not giving a shit about comic book movies, I'm definitly getting there. It's frustrating that there are so many great independant comics out there that would make incredible films and they keep going back to the same well. I mean they're redoing the Batman universe for Chrissakes, Batman! And guess what, from what we've seen it looks just like Burton's version. Why? Because he got it right. Same with Donner's Superman. Now move on.
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it makes me think the world is right to hate America.
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Cant wait! Not really a big fan of the first one. Didnt like the goblin costume..but its still a good movie. I hope this one is better!
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Seriously, it's childish. I haven't let hype effect my viwing enjoyment since I was 11.
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Can't wait to see how the DC universe flicks try and compete with the quality of Spidey and X-Men. Are they really bringing Swamp Thing back?
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Dunst has indicated she will leave after Spidey 3, imagine if they made her Gwen Stacy like she was supposed to be in the original script- She dies at the hands of Harry Osborn's Green Goblin! Change from the comic with Norman killing Gwen but still dramatic; Pete's best friend killing the woman he loves! Stupid producers decided to make Kristen Dunst MJ an amalgam of Gwen and MJ from the comics. The end of Spidey 3 should've been Gwen's funeral with MJ comforting Pete...I always imagined Jessica Alba would've made a great MJ! Oh well, too late now.
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Roeper, your mother is silly
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Jun 25, 2004 11:54:12 PM CDT
Holy confessions written out on an entire roll of toilet paper f
by neosamurai85
...land known as
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Hi spidey fans. the bootlegged copy of Spiderman2 is already out in HK. Surprisingly the picture quality is near vhs format with about 10sec of black and white footage in the beginning and half way through the movie and with massage say this film is for promotional only blah blah blah, of course the movie also came with chinese subs. This movie just rock!!!man.Can wait to see it again in the theater when it open.
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Independent comics made into films
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I mean honestly, that movie is confusing as hell
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Jun 26, 2004 12:05:27 AM CDT
yeah i can see how rosemarry harris didn't "embody the role" of
by bearison ford
just because she has like 10 extra pounds doesn't mean she's ALL WRONG for the role, geez. great review otherwise. can't wait to see it.
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Havent seen it to this show yet, for Tuesday. See you Quint! Ha Ha! All for when we bother but the english is ok to see. Lots for the Spiderman. And then there is two! Ha Ha! Many is the time the squalls come on your fast but you dont have need to have the many worries because it was all in the broken glasses! Compass. Shitting in my shoes many time after that and many wipes for sure! Ha Ha! And then to see many hopes for spiderman. You too! So I am for the good.
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I'm fuckin' desperate....PLEASE don't let them let Mark Steven Johnson direct 'Ghost Rider.' Please. They're gonna do it too, those fuckers, when there are so many better directors out there who would jump at the chance. I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown here. Why? Why the fuck would you want this man directing this movie? Any movie? Does he butter Avi Arad's buns? I don't want to see this movie go down in flames (no pun intended) because someone owes him a favor. Arrgh!
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I shouldn't give him any atention, this will only make it worse...
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I still waiting for bootlegged copy of F9/11 dvd. I wonder what's taking them so long
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Jun 26, 2004 1:22:39 AM CDT
There's two kinds of dull middles. Ones that build for a huge cl
by theginger twit
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...and if he really did write a "spectacular" script as Kevin Feige said he did, even worse to allow him to fuck it up himself. DON'T DO IT MARVEL! DON'T DO IT YOU BASTARDS!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jun 26, 2004 2:01:42 AM CDT
Mr. Soprano... the greatest internet talkbacker ever. GINGERTWI
by theginger twit
No sorry, I think Chicken George 7 does a better job.
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looks like the little girl is going to blow Frankenstein, right before she tosses him in the pool.
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MrSoprano's posts are laugh out loud funny, Ha Ha or peculiar I'm not quite sure. Chinese Jet Pilot, I see a sex offender sign in your yard in the near future ya sick amusing bastard.
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What is a good age to bring up the subject of fiberglass insulation with my children? They are all under the age of 12 and I worry that they are not mature enough yet but I don't want them to be unprepared. Please give me your wisdom. You wouldn't believe what that Bob Villa told me, blown-in cellulose type insulation what a fucking hack.
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Jun 26, 2004 4:57:58 AM CDT
"SPIDER-MAN 2" ..... "SKY CAPTAIN" ..... "SPIDER-MAN 2" ..... "S
by jdanielp
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Both talk shite.......
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No one can even come close.
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When somone who clearly loves the movie ans source material says that, it makes me, as someone who doesn't masterbate to comics, think that this film is close to being insta-forget, vaccuous garbage.
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Wow... could've fooled me.
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I think that Mr.Soprano means "reveals" instead of "revels". I could be wrong...
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All the spidey freaks out there will eat this shit up.
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He's rarely funny, unless typing in capitals is meant to be part of the joke; if so, he fails even more. At least Mr Soprano says something new each time, unlike George who simply rants incoherently about the same things. Anyway, Spiderman 2 will rock - best superhero film of all time? We'll see......
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--but it only makes sense to make him Hobgoblin in the movie. It's the perfect way to introduce that character as well as evolve the "Osborne" storyline.
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The force is with Cicken George!!!!!!!
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Jun 26, 2004 4:16:23 PM CDT
mr soprano and his utter assclownery [yeah i said assclownery]
by yippy kay ay
Mr soprano, what in the blue hell is wrong with you ya sick freeeeeak? I mean man, seriously, you ain't funny, no matter what youre stupid lil' friends tell you at high school. Are you tryin to be funny, or is it just you're sick in the goddam head? Mr soprano, i seriously worry for your health, and if i hear any more of your sick ramblings from the depths of what is evidently a tortured and sad/pathetic little soul.... well i'll do nothing but mock you. Yeah you better be scared sucka. Anyways, just gotta say spidey 2 is lookin good, and you know its gonna kick some ass.
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"Groin-grabbingly" kickass (I quote Homer Simpson). If it sucks, then, Michael Moore ISN'T a MAJOR ASSCLOWN. Cheerio
"mmm...I love scotch. scotchy scotch scotch." -
His posts seemed to have disappeared. Oh well, Spiderman 2 looks like it is going to be pretty good. The movie poster where he is standing on the buildings looking over NY is kick ass. http://www.spider-man-movies.com/spider-man_wallpaper/
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is funny they're seriously a sad sad person. Mbaker is a fly buzzing around here compared to the god who is Chaffro. Mbaker is a wannabe hack. Stop praising them please.
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Jun 27, 2004 1:58:28 AM CDT
aliencaptive1013 is bitch that doesnt know what the fuck he's sa
by phat_elvis
Hey dumbass, first I was a soldier when your ass-packing republican twat sr. did the first war on iraq for his own fucking oil and let me tell you my man as an infantryman I sure didn't like having my ass put on the fuckin line for his goddamned stock holders money. ALSO, you flag waving sheepdick, after doing five months of riot control in cuba where cracking (otherwise) innocent motherfuckers skulls was a freakin weekly occurence I got a really interesting take on "patriotism" and its another word for blind cowardly goose stepping bitch. So kiss my dick, you fuckin pogue.
Everyone else: Spidey 2 is gonna rule yer britches. -
I didn't catch his posts, what'd he say? On to the present topic, I loved the first Spidey movie. They totally nailed the origins of webhead, but they more or less went to hell after that what with all the Green Goblin stuff. This one looks so much better. And for the record, the Goblin costume grew on me. cheerio
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Mr. Soprano has been banned? And more so his posts have been erased? This news
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And possibly the sole reason why he was banned. Being ajerkwad loser in my opinion is ranting and raving like a tool about nothing and giving indication that they themselves feel superior over everyone else as a result. It runs rampent on this site... but he took the crown of dipshits. Now, who's for bashing star wars and lord of the rings you bunch of fucking wankers.
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Lots of CG effects and filmmakers who took the source material way too seriously. As cool as the TV spots look, I can't help but roll my eyes whenever I hear Tobey's self-pitying voiceover. Seems like all of AICN keeps saying this movie is the greatest, but I'm still not excited. Maybe I've just finally outgrown Spider-Man.
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You talk about people who rant and rave, and those who feel superior - thats exactly the behaviour Chicken George shows. So why does he not get banned? And to the other guy, Harry has responded a few times on Talkback, but since these things are normally filled with mindless fools who deliberately argue against him, I can see why he doesn't do it more often.
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I was making a joke. As for my name... it's an affectionate ode to my favourite sites host. Cheers Harry!
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1.) Spider Man 2 looks like a lot of fun. I don't know how into the story I'll be able to get if folks who have revealed it on this site are revealing all there is to it. Maybe because I've read all those old comics and the "Spider Man No More!" storyline was always one of my least favorites (I never believed as a kid that a guy who could be Spider Man wouldn't want to and I don't know that I buy it now, either). But every single trailer, commercial, image and review I have seen makes me want to give the Spider Man machine some of my money. 2.) Chicken George is hit or miss with his funny, but when it's on it's all the way on. He has made me laugh hard enough to spout carbonated beverages and coffee through my nose like one of those clown-headed lawn sprinklers, and I don't laugh easily or loudly very often these days. 3.) aliencaptive1013 is a dumbass. What Spider Man has to do with Reagan or the current crisis in Iraq eludes me, but his impotent hostility is evident. Perhaps the connection can be found in his idiom, with the use of phrases like "Communist menace." That reads like it came right out of a comic book, but something written twenty or more years before Spidey's time. Ever take a life, dumbass? On purpose or by accident? Ask someone who has and they'll likely tell you it made them sick afterward every time they thought about it. If they don't, they're broken. While sometimes necessary, violence and lethal force are not things to be celebrated, lauded, encouraged or bragged about. MacArthur himself spoke of the true soldier's disdain for war. But, then again, he'd been there. The closest I'd imagine you've come is a schoolyard brawl with a child half your size. Violent video games and movies exist as a cathartic medium to give people a vicarious outlet for the natural bloodlust which, unfortunately, is a part of our animal makeup. They're a healthy release for people who may get a violent urge but don't wish to inflict it upon another sentient being... much like masturbation for you and your frustrated homo-erotic urges. It's okay for a man to love another man, but you seem to be mixing up your violent and sexual impulses. When you beat off angry, you're really only hurting yourself.
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yeah, his name doesn't even deserve to be mentioned. THAT MOHERFUCKER IS JUST AN UNWANTED CUMSHOT THAT WITH A LITTLE LUCK HAPPENED TO STUMBLE UPON HIS MOMMA'S EGG. WHEN HIS MOM WAS HUFFIN' and PUFFIN' TO GET THE SPECIMEN OUT HER POOR BODY, SHE WAS DISGUSTED LIKE IF SHE WERE LOOKING AT HARRY'S ASS. THE SPECIMEN WAS BORNED AND THE DOC DROPPED HIM BECAUSE HE COULDN"T STAND TOUCHING IT AND SAID " YUK!, this fucker looks like my dog took a gigantic shit!" Ever since that tragic moment THE PIECE OF SHIT has been looking for attention. The End.
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I saw a sneak last night and was disappointed in the overall story. The love angle was very forced and didn't seem to make any sence from a beat standpoint. I really didn't get how Parker quit being Spiderman, how MJ was on again/off again in her feelings for him, and ultimately why she leaves this really nice guy at the alter for a wishy-washy Peter. I've read the comics since the 70's so I understand the FACTS, just not the arc these film characters took. That, and it was ttoooooo slooowwww. Having said that, the battle scenes rocks. (Boy, that subway sequence was better than anything in Superman 2. FINAL ANALYSIS: better than #1, not better than both X-Men movies. My guess for 3 is The Lizard and the return of the Goblin, hopefully without that stupid mask.
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Let's cross our fingers.
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