The Amazing Spider-Man

Was there warrant enough for this Spider-Man reboot after the Sam Raimi origin story only coming out ten years ago? Having had issues with the visuals in that particular franchise I was looking forward to updated technology giving the suited hero some real depth.  This Spider-Man looks amazing. The suit for one has texture and the action scenes feel more robust.  Scenes in the first half of the film where Peter Parker gets bitten exploring the labs of OsCorp feel refreshed and have been updated well. Blue UV hues mirror the suit he will soon don and intricate designs delight.  Though I did enjoy Toby Maguire and Kirsten Dunst’s performances in the 2002 version I was looking forward to a new spin on this superhero tale.  Once again the leads have been cast well with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone having great chemistry. Sally Field is a feistier Aunt May and her character develops a harder edge as the film goes on. Paired up with Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben they come together to form a fine parental team.  

This origin story does on the surface have some differences. Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) playing the love interest and the discovery of Peter’s father’s past work lead him to interactions with the curiously cold Dr. Curt Connors (Rys Ifans). This mad scientist contrasts well with Peter’s own story as he transforms into the Lizard and loses his humanity.  Unfortunately this is where the visuals let the film down with some uninspired CGI. With nods to Godzilla and Creature from the Black Lagoon (pictures of the lizard's claw making the front of the newspapers) it is disappointing that this movie monster is not as striking as those made in 1954. 

Garfield is superbly well cast in the role of Peter Parker, geeky enough to be believable and incredibly endearing. This Spider-Man reacts with a youthful arrogance, taunting his prey and humiliating them with his web slinging abilities. He playfully quips when in the suit and strikes the famous comic book stances. Director Marc Webb inserts some dark action between romance and comedy in the first part of the film and develops his characters well, but the finale does have a generic air of going through the motions to set up the sequel.   

Spidey leaps and bounds forward in fast action scenes of free running style and sticky awkwardness but doesn’t reach the promised amazing heights.  Aimed at a younger audience who should enjoy the high school romance aspect and teen angst but a sense of familiarity in this origin story may leave some underwhelmed. 

Released in the UK on 3rd July 2012

Sheffield Doc Fest: Music and the DIY spirit

Bones Brigade: An Autobiography tells the story of a group of individuals who were cemented together through skateboarding. Stacy Peralta, Director of Dogtown and Z Boys and the much loved The Search for Animal Chin (of which he is a little embarrassed by now) takes us back to the 1980s to tell the story of the formation of the Bones Brigade skate crew.  Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, Mike McGill, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain and Tommy Guerrero revolutionised and formed the modern face of competitive skateboarding.  Peralta splices old school footage, photos, and interviews that sum up the true spirit of this crew but he has also produced an excellent account of the history of skateboarding. Rodney Mullen is a rad, passionate genius who is mesmerizing to watch on screen through his skate tricks and speeches. An inspirational story about a passionate and driven group of boys growing up and getting to make a living from doing what they love.


Indie Game: The Movie was always a must watch for me, with my partner being a part of the games industry and some of my friends games developers I was intrigued to see how the filmmakers would portray their subjects. Thankfully the documentary focuses on the personal stories and inspiration for the games leading to a funny and moving depiction. 

Grandma Lo-Fi is the embodiment of a melodic soul.This documentary has been put together very much like a homemade mix tape and it is a lovely tribute to an inspirational woman.










Pertti Kurikka’s Name Day is a four piece Finnish punk band who are making a name for themselves in the scene. All the members have learning difficulties and voice their frustrations through their music and lyrics. Directors Jukka Karkkainen and JP Passi put this band under the spotlight and the outcome is positively positive.  The Punk Syndrome is an uplifting celebration of what it is to be a creative human being.

Searching for Sugar Man charts an investigation born out of a love for music and a man who captured the imaginations of a liberal white population wanting to rebel against their government.

Jason Becker: Not Dead Yet honours the mighty axeman who would not stop fighting for his life.












All these films share the DIY and independent spirit that often comes with creativity and each tells a compelling story.
You can read my full coverage here: http://www.cinetalk.tv/tagged/sheffield-doc-fest

Rock of Ages

If Tom Cruise doesn't do it for you in Rock of Ages Giamatti is sure to...

Fans of the stage show are likely to enjoy Adam Shankman’s film adaptation. Sex, stardom and Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) dominate this story of small town girl meets bright lights. Shankman’s past films include a remake of John Waters’ Hairspray, Bedtime Stories and a couple of episodes of Glee. The music hails from the 80s and it is nothing if not fun but it falls into the modern Glee world of mash-ups and mildness. It is entertaining cheese with some strangely surreal performances and appearances.  

Sherrie (Julianne Hough) meets Drew (Diego Boneta) just as she enters LA to fulfil her dreams of becoming a singer. Drew works in the Bourbon Room and sets her up with a waitressing job only for young love to ensue and the pitfalls of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle to rear its ugly head.  The two leads will appeal to the audience it is aiming for, but they are totally eclipsed by the supporting actors. Tom Cruise as the topless, whiskey sipping rock star Stacee Jaxx steals every scene, and apart from the unnecessary pairing with a baboon called Hey Man will keep you laughing.  His scenes with Malin Akerman, who plays Rolling Stone journalist Constance Sacks, are filthy over the top fun.

Alec Baldwin’s club owner Dennis is paired up with Russell Brand’s Lonny who fits into the picture and is well cast.  Their dynamic is amusing and they both seem to be having lots of fun in their roles. Paul Giamatti turns up as the crooked manager to Jaxx and his character presents the issues that creative types face in the industry.  You may cringe when he sings, but it is all done with a knowing nod.  Catherine Zeta-Jones plays the zealot fighting against rock music and her dance scenes are brilliant, but she lacks the exuberance of Lin Shaye who played a similar role in Detroit Rock City.

You need to be all in with this kind of film; if you are a fan of hair metal and power ballads you are sure to leave the cinema with a grin on your face. 

Rock of Ages is out in the UK from Wednesday 13th June.