Zendaya and John David Washington star in the upcoming romantic drama MALCOLM & MARIE – on Netflix February 5.
Writer/Director Sam Levinson teams up with Zendaya and John David Washington for an achingly romantic drama in which a filmmaker (Washington) and his girlfriend (Zendaya) return home following a celebratory movie premiere as he awaits what’s sure to be imminent critical and financial success. The evening suddenly takes a turn as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, testing the strength of their love.
Working with cinematographer Marcell Rev, Levinson creates a film of rare originality; an ode to the great Hollywood romances as well as a heartfelt expression of faith in the medium’s future.
I love the pairing of these two together and I can’t wait for this – and right before Valentine’s Day! John David Washington gave amazing performances in “BlacKkKlansman” and “Tenet” and Zendaya won an Emmy for “Euphoria” in September and will co-star in DUNE. I see an Oscar campaigns for both actors during the upcoming Awards Season.
The film marks Levinson’s first feature since 2018’s “Assassination Nation.”
Wallopin’ web snappers, that’s one busy lil’ bug. Sorry, arachnid, I know. I’m speaking of our “friendly neighborhood” Spider-Man. In particular, the hero as played by Tom Holland. After all, he was introduced to us only three years ago, when Sony Studios (so very wisely) handed over the creative reigns of the character’s live-action film franchise to the Disney/Marvel Studios. But Sony could still do (and does) spin-offs (like last year’s VENOM) and animated films like the Oscar-winning SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. Of course, Holland follows in the spandex boot steps of Tobey Maguire (2004-06) and Andrew Garfield (2012-14). Now the webbed wonder was part of a bigger movie “playground” and immediately swung into the “big brawl” in 2016’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. He got his first solo flick (with a big assist from Iron-Man and an inspired cameo from Cap) the next Summer. And naturally, he was part of the epic Avengers clash with Thanos that concluded about two months ago. Wow, this dude deserves a vacation. So after a harrowing HOMECOMING, here comes SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME. Do you really think you’ll get a little R&R, young Mr. Parker? Okay….
This globe-trotting adventure starts in a Mexican village that’s the site of a destructive disaster. But not a natural one. That’s why Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson ) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) arrive to investigate. Moments after stepping out of their vehicle, the two are threatened by a towering creature. Then out of a green cloud, a caped man mounts a counter-attack. Back in the “Big Apple”, the students of Midtown High are still dealing with the aftermath of “the blip”. That’s their phrase to describe the “Thanos snap”, which sent about half of the student body into a five-year limbo. When they returned the kids hadn’t aged while those not “blipped” did (lots of awkward moments, for sure). Despite that disruption, Peter Parker (Holland) and BFF Ned (Jacob Batalon) are psyched for the Science Club’s big tour of Europe. Ned’s daydreaming of an overseas romance while Pete is hoping to get closer to MJ (Zendaya). That night, as Spider-Man, he helps Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) with a charity fund-raiser for those affected by the blip. Backstage, Happy (Jon Favreau) drops by with a big check, but Pete suspects that he’s there for May (“eeyeww”). Happy warns Pete that Nick Fury wants to talk to him, but Pete sends his call to voicemail. The next day Pete and his pals are on the big flight, first stop Venice. All’s well until another dangerous titanic monster emerges from the canals. Luckily the caped man appears and teams up with Pete. Later he discovers Fury waiting for him in his hotel room. The two go to Fury’s secret base of operations where they meet Maria and the “caped man” who calls himself Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal), though the local media dub him “Mysterio”. He explains that he came to our Earth through a dimensional rift from his version of Earth (another oddity caused by Thanos). Unfortunately, the monsters that destroyed his planet, “the Elementals” (Earth, water, etc.), followed him. The worst of them, “Fire” is still at large, and Fury wants Spidey’s help. But Pete can’t since he’s with his high school crew (if they see Spidey then they’ll put “two and two together”). Does he think that Fury will take no for an answer? And more importantly, when will Pete get some “alone time” with MJ? Talk about a “long, strange trip”.
Once again, Holland is the perfect embodiment of the beloved pop culture icon. This time though he gets to bring more emotional shadings to Peter and his alter ego. Through his mournful eyes, Holland shows us that he’s still dealing with the loss of an adored fallen friend (better play it safe in case there those unaware of the epic finale of this year’s biggest blockbuster), whose image seems to be everywhere. But then there’s the possibility of romance as Holland behaves like an excited puppy as he plots and plans to “woo” MJ. And there’s the anxiety about having to “step up to the plate” to battle these otherworldly menaces. That’s where Gyllenhaal’s Beck figures in. With his empathetic gaze and somber sense of gravitas, which gives an added punch to his tragic backstory, Beck seems to be the mentor/big brother/ father figure that Peter needs. Plus Gyllenhaal makes a decisive action hero, working that dark magenta flowing cape (a good contrast to his fluorescent green bodysuit) like an old fashioned swashbuckler. Oh, speaking of “father figures”, the cranky demanding “bad Dad” to Beck’s nurturing, encouraging “good Dad” is Jackson in his third “go-around’ this year (!) as Fury. The perpetually P.O.’ ed superspy has no patience for Pete’s teenage concerns and will get his mind on the “right track”, something that Pete really does need. Plus it’s great to see Jackson paired up once more with Smulders as the tough, no-nonsense Hill.
Here’s a nifty full page splash from Spidey’s co-creators in 1963’s Spider-Man Annual #1. Dialogue by Stan Lee. Art by Steve Ditko
While the above-mentioned actors handle most of the big action set pieces of the story, a terrific supporting cast adds wonderful comic relief and some provide the tale’s big emotions. That’s the case with Zendaya who still slays with a snarky insult as the very cool MJ. In this flick, Ms. Z shows us that the air of detachment is a wall she puts up to conceal her true feelings, at times a defense barrier, one that is slowly being taken down, brick by brick, by Pete’s sunny honesty (maybe not about everything). She’s a good action heroine, rather than another “damsel in distress”. Then there’s the always enthusiastic, optimistic Ned played with great comic timing by Batalon whose unexpected subplot yields lotsa’ laughs. Also hilarious is Tony Revolori as the taunting, arrogant Flash Thompson, whose bravado may also be a defense against an inner turmoil (a touch of pathos). Tomei as “Aunt” May is still Pete’s always encouraging supportive anchor, but now she’s his partner, bouncing back from the shock of the revelation at the end of the last film. It’s no wonder that she attracts the attentions of Happy Hogan, played with blustery gusto by Favreau. He and Pete share an affection for her along with a sense of loss for a friend (again, avoiding a spoiler). He could be more of an affable “Dutch uncle” who frets over Pete as often as he’s frustrated by him. There are many inspired “pairings’ in the film, but the funniest may be the class trip faculty chaperones played by the fabulous comic actors Martin Starr (seems like he was just a student on the TV treasure “Freaks and Geeks”) returning as Mr. Harrington and J.B. Smoove (HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) as driving instructor from the 2017 promotional short, Mr. Bell.
And here’s the conclusion of Mysterio’s initial appearance on the 1960’s Spider-Man Saturday morning cartoon
Returning director Jon Watts gives us another thrilling superhero epic, though he’s going for a different “vibe” this time around. Unlike Homecoming, he’s not going for the big laughs, often with slapstick “payoffs” in the web-swinging battles. After an opening scene or two dealing with the tragic finale of the last MCU release, the story, aside from the monster attacks, settles into an update/reboot of the romantic teen comedy/dramas of the early 60s, like WHERE THE BOYS ARE, ROME ADVENTURE, or A SUMMER PLACE, with young people falling for each other in exotic locales. But credit screenwriters (also Spidey vets) Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers for balancing the “hearts and flowers” couplings with a plot full of twists and turns, deceptions and determination. Like ENDGAME it dives very very deep into the whole Marvel “movie-verse” to throw us plenty of curves. Unfortunately, the conflict gets a tad tech-heavy, with Spidey almost becoming a computer game avatar in the big London-based climactic showdown. The wallcrawler works best against flesh and blood adversaries like the Vulture (and Kingpin in last year’s animated film) where it becomes a “mano y mano’ battle of wills. Still, there are some remarkable sequences, particularly as Spidey tries to survive a true waking “nightmare” in which his innermost fears spring to vivid ferocious life (and using some creative comics images). The European location work is most impressive (maybe some savvy company will put together a travel tour based on this flick) and the stunt work is astounding (with Pete out of the spandex for a couple of scenes), though that ending may be too visually “busy”. Still, it’s an entertaining, thrilling romp with a mid-credit sequence promising an interesting new direction (of course, you know to stay through the credits). Audiences will be happy that they were caught up in the tangled web of SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME. Now, where’s that passport?
Here’s a first look at the brand new trailers for SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME.
Starring Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr, with Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal (Quentin Beck / Mysterio), the film opens on July 5.
Peter Parker returns in SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, the next chapter of the Spider-Man™: Homecoming series.
Our friendly neighborhood Super Hero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent.
Some takeaways from this first trailer:
Jake Gyllenhaal is Quentin Beck / Mysterio – he really looks like Mysterio, especially with the helmet!
Nick Fury and Shield
Does the film take place before or after AVENGERS: ENDGAME?
The showman frequently gets a bad rap. Whether it’s trying to get someone to laugh or smile, there are many directors and actors out there who simply love to entertain. They may not be aiming for high art, but they are looking to delight the masses. The best men and women in the business make it look easy. Yet, for all the razzle-dazzle and cheap thrills associated with entertainment for entertainment’s sake, there’s an art to it. It’s an incredible feat when done right; it’s a risk; it’s a high-wire act that could send the performer toppling down if they don’t balance the performance just right.
Hugh Jackman is no stranger to either the stage or the screen. While his best performance of the year might feature him as an aging and depressed alcoholic who is living his last days coming to terms with his impact on the only people left in his life (all the while using his retractable claws to protect those individuals), Jackman commands the role of the singing and dancing circus owner, P.T. Barnum. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN spotlights Jackman’s natural charisma as well as give credence to the art of pleasing a crowd. And there’s no doubt that THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is a real crowd-pleaser.
There’s a classic storytelling approach to Michael Gracey’s film. It’s a family film that takes a page or two from the Pixar playbook by injecting messages about outsiders finding their voice as well as showing the dangers of losing sight of what’s important in life when you’re solely focused on fame. Gracey does a fine job of balancing the message with the spectacle – after all, it is a musical, and he doesn’t forget to let the large-scale dance numbers and toe-tapping numbers shine. Many of the numbers feature stylized choreography like the bar duet “The Other Side.” Zac Efron plays (and drinks) opposite Jackman in this cleverly staged number. Later on, Efron flies high opposite the talented Zendaya in “Rewrite the Stars.” It’s a number where we see both of them express their feelings for one another while performing a series of aerial acrobatic moves (who knew how effective and emotive of an actress Zendaya is). Like so much of the film, it’s obviously a bit on the nose, but it’s hard not to get swept up in the emotions of it all thanks to the two performances.
Fans of traditional musicals might find the more contemporary tunes a bit jarring in relation to the time period. Most songs feature an interlude or breakdown that seems prime for audiences to set down their popcorn and clap along. This isn’t to say that I didn’t enjoy the catchiness of them, but they are obviously orchestrated as pop melodies as opposed to classical songs you’ll remember long after the credits.
Hugh Jackman may serve as the ringleader and take center stage throughout, but the film works because of the entire ensemble. It’s not a one-man show, and the screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon lets some of the circus performers really stand out. This is especially true of the “bearded lady” Lettie Lutz played by Keala Settle, who makes her amazing voice and strong personality be heard. While children will connect with THE GREATEST SHOWMAN because of its colorful imagery and the “outsiders rising up” theme, parents will appreciate the old-fashioned storytelling on display, reminding us that we all enjoy a wholesome and entertaining show.
Overall score: 3.5 out of 5
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN opens everywhere on December 20th
“The Greatest Showman” is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, “The Greatest Showman” tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.
“The Greatest Showman” is directed by exciting new filmmaker, Michael Gracey, with songs by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”) and starring Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman. Jackman is joined by Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Zac Efron and Rebecca Ferguson.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN OPENS IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE DECEMBER 20, 2017
WAMG invites you to enter for the chance to win TWO (2) seats to the advance screening of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN on December 10 at 10:00AM in the St. Louis area.
Answer the Following:
What is the title of the 2003 Broadway musical Jackman starred in based on the life of singer/songwriter Peter Allen?
TO ENTER, ADD YOUR NAME, ANSWER AND EMAIL IN OUR COMMENTS SECTION BELOW.
OFFICIAL RULES:
1. YOU MUST BE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA THE DAY OF THE SCREENING.
2. No purchase necessary. A pass does not guarantee a seat at a screening. Seating is on a first-come, first served basis. The theater is overbooked to assure a full house.
An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, SMALLFOOT turns the Bigfoot legend upside down when a bright young Yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist—a human.
SMALLFOOT stars Channing Tatum (“The LEGO® Batman Movie,” the “Jump Street” films)
as the Yeti, Migo, and James Corden (“Trolls,” “The Emoji Movie”) as the Smallfoot, Percy.
Set to debut in theaters September 28, 2018, from Warner Bros. Pictures, watch the first trailer now.
News of this “smallfoot” brings him fame and a chance with the girl of his dreams. It also throws the simple Yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village, in a rollicking story about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.
Also starring are Zendaya (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”), Common (“Selma”), LeBron James (upcoming “Space Jam 2”), Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”), Danny DeVito (“The Lorax,” Oscar nominee for “Erin Brockovich”), Yara Shahidi (TV’s “Black-ish”), Ely Henry (TV’s “Justice League Action”), and Jimmy Tatro (“22 Jump Street”).
SMALLFOOT is directed by Karey Kirkpatrick, Annie Award-winning director of “Over the Hedge” and Annie nominee for the screenplays for “Chicken Run” and “James and the Giant Peach.” The film is produced by Bonne Radford (“Curious George”), Glenn Ficarra (“Storks,” “The is Us,”) and John Requa (“Storks,” “This is Us”). Serving as executive producers are Nicholas Stoller, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Jared Stern, Sergio Pablos, and Kirkpatrick.
The creative team includes editor Peter Ettinger, and composer Heitor Pereira.
20th Century Fox has released a great first poster for THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, featuring Hugh Jackman.
Also starring Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya, the film will be in theaters everywhere on Christmas Day, and quite possibly the movie to beat come Oscar time.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is directed by exciting new filmmaker, Michael Gracey, with songs by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”). The screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon.
P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) and Charity Barnum (Michelle Williams) share an enchanting dance on a New York rooftop in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
Hugh Jackman (P.T. Barnum) and Zac Efron (Philip Carlisle) star in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
Okay fantasy film fans, here’s a quick memory quiz for you (if you’re well past twenty). You recall what you were doing on that first weekend of May fifteen years ago (can’t be that long ago)? There’s a very good chance that you were making movie history by smashing the existing three-day box office total for a new film. Its title? Why the biggest film of 2002, Sony Pictures’ SPIDER-MAN directed by Sam Raimi and starring Tobey Maguire. For fans of superhero cinema, that year has the same importance as 1978 (SUPERMAN THE MOVIE directed by Richard Donner and starring Christopher Reeve) and 1989 (BATMAN directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton…more about him soon). Sure, Superman and Batman had been the subject of low-budget movie serials, a story shown in weekly installments, usually a staple of “kiddie” matinees until the mid 1950’s. The Dark Knight had a feature film in 1966, but it was basically and extension of the incredibly popular TV show. But in 78 and 89 they finally got the big budget treatment fans thought they had long deserved. This was great for those iconic characters from DC Comics (formally National Periodicals, now a part of the Warner family), but what about that younger upstarts at Marvel Comics? The major movie “door” had been pushed slightly ajar for the company when BLADE came out in 1998. The door swung out a bit more two years later with X-MEN. Its success started a flurry of legal action to see who had the screen rights to Marvel’s most popular solo character, its corporate mascot, it’s “Mickey Mouse”. Sony, the eventual winner, more than made back the legal fees with that 2002 film and its 2004 follow-up SPIDER-MAN 2 (with the great villain Dr. Octopus, I’m not alone in thinking it’s the better movie of the two). The three films since then seemed to lose that “magic spark”. SPIDER-MAN 3 in 2007 with its villain overload (the Sandman, Venom, and a new Green Goblin) and sci-fi subplot hastened the departure of Raimi, Maguire, and co-star Kirsten Dunst. The 2012 “reboot” from director Marc Webb(?!), THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN made good use of the chemistry between stars Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (as Spidey and Gwen Stacy), but the story was bogged down with corporate intrigue Oscorp’s behind everything). That same problem plagued its sequel, 2014’s, along with, once more, too many bad guys (Electro, the Rhino, and yet another Goblin). It “under-performed” at the box office, Sony decided on a somewhat radical move. By this time Marvel had become a major force in Hollywood, producing hit after hit, starting in 2008 with IRON MAN. Sony wanted to keep the franchise going, so what about a partnership? This agreement bore fruit last May when Spidey was enlisted by Tony Stark to be part of CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR. This new, younger ‘web-spinner” was a huge hit with audiences and one of the highlights of that smash film. Now he gets to be the main focus of the story, and since Marvel is now steering his film series, it’s like he’s really returning to his roots, his nest (for another arachnid analogy). For that reason, the title seems an near perfect fit, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING. To borrow a lyric from John Sebastian’s classic TV theme song, “Welcome baaack…”.
The film’s first moments quickly establish that we are right in the middle of the Marvel “movie-verse”, by taking us back five years to the aftermath of the “battle of New York” AKA the finale of MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS. After such an enormous disaster, an overwhelmed city outsourced much of the clean-up and repair. One lucky contract went to the salvage firm owned by Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton). But as they load up various alien artifacts (the Chitauri left behind a lotta’ tech), a group of “suits” appear. Their supervisor (played by a beloved TV authority figure) announce that the contract is void and the Toomes crew should vacate after turning over all the recovered alien “gadgets and gizmos a’plenty” (oops, sorry). This doesn’t go over well with Toomes, and as he leaves he tells one of his workers to hold on to some of their findings. Jump cut to more recent times, and Toomes is running a secret weapons operation, selling and using devices (to pull heists) using those Chitauri power sources and “doodads”. Seems one of his guys, Phineas Mason AKA The Tinkerer (Michael Chernus) is an alien firearms savant. We then see a short video that gives us a Spidey’s eye view of the big battle overseas from last year, all footage shot by Peter Parker (Tom Holland). He’s dropped off at his Queen home via the limo of none other than Mr. Tony Stark AKA Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.), who tells Pete to keep a low profile, help with local problems, and check in with Stark security supervisor ‘Happy’ Hogan (Jon Favreau). But Pete is eager to go on another “retreat” with hopes of becoming a full-fledged Avenger. Tony deflects the questions and Peter totes the large metal case containing his new “tricked-out” spider suit up the steps to his apartment. The next day it’s back to the old routine at Mid-Town High : hangin’ with best pal Ned (Jacob Batalon), oogling gorgeous senior queen Liz (Laura Harrier), avoiding the put-downs from the obnoxious ‘Flash’ (Tony Revolori), and trading barbs with snarky Michelle (Zendaya). But the day can’t zip by fast enough for Pete. He stares down the clock, eager to be back on the streets. protecting the public as Spider-Man. And just what dangers await? Well, he foils a bicycle robbery, helps a woman with directions (she buys him churro), and bungles a car theft. Pretty tame stuff, until he spots four masked men trying to grab cash from an ATM lobby. Unfortunately they’re using some of the souped-up weapons from Toomes, and during the melee Spidey has to rescue a man whose business is destroyed from a laser blast. Pete contacts Stark who is insists that he stop pursuing such a dangerous gang and leave it for the Avengers. However, Spidey somehow keeps crossing paths with these hoods and their boss Toomes, who now dons a winged suit of armor to become the Vulture. Can Pete continue to keep his after-school activities from his protective Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). And what will ‘Happy” and Tony do when Peter ignores their warnings? Is Spidey too old for a “time out”?
Tom Holland proves that his scene stealing appearance in last year’s Marvel epic was not a fluke as he carries this story on his very capable shoulders and makes the dual roles of Peter Parker and Spider-Man his very own. Gone is the frequent dour attitude of Maguire and the sneer of Garfield, instead we have the hero, who’s really more “Spider-Teen’ than Spider-Man (but don’t tell Pete that). He’s filled with youthful exuberance and curiosity (I knew he was gifted when I reviewed THE IMPOSSIBLE five years ago), completely believable as a smart, often awkward, but always endearing high school kid. Yes, Spidey always worked best in the comics as a kid (or “tween”) who can easily “get in over his head”. Holland has expert comic timing and sharp line delivery (good yank accent, you Brit. you), and is also a terrific mime, which is a must when you’re covered eye to toe in blue and red spandex. Although we can’t see those hazel eyes through the mask, Holland conveys the character’s emotions through expert body language. As much as Gal Gadot was the perfect “find” for Wonder Woman, Holland’s the perfect “fit” for ole “web-head”. Oh, and he’s got terrific rapport with the other young actors, particularly Batalon as the sweet, nerdy goofball Ned, the kind of best pal we’d be lucky to have growing up. Incredibly supportive, Ned is always seconds away from bursting with excitement and enthusiasm. His ultimate dream, to be “the guy in the chair” is one of the film’s best running gags. Zendaya has an infectious laid-back vibe as the rebellious little “hellion” Michelle, a “tough chick” who will call you out on your BS, guys! At the other end of the spectrum is Harrier as the ethereal dream girl Liz, whose outer confidence masks her vulnerability. She’s the school “angel” who’s surprisingly down to Earth and nice (especially to timid Pete). Revolori gives a different take on ‘Flash’ than we’ve seen in other Spidey flicks. Rather than the violent towering brute, he’s a cruel, sarcastic vain rich dweeb, closer to Reggie in the Archie comics. A most pleasant surprise was seeing Abraham Attah (so heartbreaking in BEASTS OF NO NATION), now a lanky teen playing a member of the academics team. What great casting!
But what of the adults, the “slightly” past their twenties set? Well, they’re pretty fabulous, dominated by the unbelievably intimidating performance of Michael Keaton as one of the earliest (number 2!) comics foes. They say a hero’s only as good as his villain, and Toomes may be the best “Marvel-verse” baddie since we first met Loki. If you had asked me a few months ago to put together a top ten list of Spider-Man villains (and he’s got the best “rogues gallery” after the caped crusader), the Vulture would’ve been lucky to be in a top 20. But to borrow a phrase from Kevin Smith, who said he never cared about Iron Man till Downey, Keaton makes Toomes Spidey’s best movie adversary since Doc Ock. A confrontation out of costume in the story’s third act is perhaps the movie’s scariest scene (this guy will carry out that threat). This is another splendid role in Keaton’s post BIRDMAN “comeback”. His menace is matched by the charm and father-like warmth (really, no kidding) of Downey who continues to add new, interesting layers to tech-master Tony Stark. Of course he’s truly funny, but we see him here as more than just a mentor. Tony is tough with Peter, perhaps because he sees a lot of himself in the “kid”, but maybe he sees the son who he might have raised if he hadn’t been a rich jerk for so long (before the events of the 2008 film). His past co-star (ONLY YOU and CHAPLIN), Tomei, is a sprightly and, odd to say this about the comics character, sexy delight as May Parker (another great running joke is how all the mature dudes in Queens, even Stark, have a “thing” for her). Here’s hoping she’ll get many more scenes, plus a look into her “back story”, in the next installment since she and Holland are also a great team (gotta’ see what happens after the final fade-out). I was happy that we get to see a lot of Favreau (as much as the Iron Man trilogy) as the gruff, “gloomy gus” with a heart of gold that is the tough and tender Mr. Hogan. Plus the film is peppered (watch it) with several terrific comic actors. Donald Glover is smooth as silk as a low-energy criminal informant that has some good advice for Spidey (“Ya’ got ta’ get better at this”). Martin Starr (now on “Silicon Valley” but the best part of “Freaks and Geeks”) as the nervous, jittery faculty advisor to the academics team (“Where’s Parker? Again!”), and Hannibal Buress scores some big laughs as the PE teacher, Coach Wilson.
With only one feature film to his credit, the indie thriller COP CAR with Kevin Bacon, director Jon Watts smashes through, into the big, big leagues with this non-stop entertainment machine. They epic action sequences are masterful, but he makes the small intimate scenes just as powerful. Although six different writers (including Watts) are credited for the screenplay, the film never feels disjointed. Wisely the film makers opted against rehashing the big origin story. We all should recall it, so there’s no need to witness the demise of a third ‘Uncle’ Ben Parker (though it’s hinted at in a brief bit of dialogue). And it has heart to spare, since the best Spidey stories don’t merely focus on his battles and powers, but integrate the fantastic with honest human relationships. While many “super guys and gals” tower above us (billionaire vigilantes, Greek and Norse gods, strange visitors from another planet), Peter Parker and his alter ego are “reg’lar fellas”. To borrow a lyric from the late, great Howard Ashman,”Who’s that hero next door?”. It’s that nice masked man helping the lady find her way around the city. There are great references to the other Marvel movies (why does the school principal have so many military medals on display, the Sokovia Accords are covered in history class), and tributes to classic comics that will warm the hearts of “four-color” fans (“Amazing Spider-Man”, volume one, issue number 33, “The Final Chapter”..nuff’ said!). And another rollicking, pulse-pounding score from Michael Giacchino (even working in a version of one of our favorite TV themes). But even casual movie-goers will be delighted that the “web-spinner” returns to the forefront of exciting movie franchises. It’s a most welcome, very happy homecoming indeed!
Philip (Zac Efron) is entranced by Anne’s (Zendaya) trapeze artistry in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
In theaters on Christmas Day is THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
20th Century Fox has released the first trailer for THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya, and featuring original songs by the Academy Award Winning lyricists of La La Land, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life.
This is pure Hollywood spectacle! Set firmly during awards season, the Academy voters will love this kind of film when it comes time to cast their ballots, and most likely one of the final movies they see prior to Oscar voting.
Hugh Jackman was born to play this and possibly, at long last, win that ellusive Oscar for Best Actor. I expect a lot of AMPAS love for this film when the nominations for the 90th Academy Awards are announced on Tuesday, January 23, 2018.
P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) comes alive with the oddities in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is directed by exciting new filmmaker, Michael Gracey, with songs by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”) and starring Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman.
Jackman is joined by Academy Award nominee Michelle Williams, Zendaya, Zac Efron and Rebecca Ferguson.
P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) and Charity Barnum (Michelle Williams) share an enchanting dance on a New York rooftop in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
Hugh Jackman (P.T. Barnum) and Zac Efron (Philip Carlisle) star in Twentieth Century Fox’s THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
Check out the brand new trailer for SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, in cinemas on July 7.
A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING.
A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING.
Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.).
Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.
Directed by Jon Watts, the film also features Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover and Tyne Daly.
