SPIDER-MAN HOMECOMING (2017)

Featuring: Tom Holland; Michael Keaton; Robert Downey Jr

Director: Jon Watts

The mere fact that in a span of a decade and a half three film versions of Spider-Man were made goes to show just how popular this particular comic superhero is. And that, apparently, applies to 'children' of all ages - young and old...

We already briefly met this Peter Parker/Spider-Man derivative (portrayed here by Tom Holland) in Captain America: Civil War (2016) where he was introduced to the Avengers by Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr). In Spider-Man Homecoming, though, we get to see how the teen hero has to come to grips with his newfound fame and abilities and how that further complicates his already complicated teenage life. At the same time he desperately tries to prove that he is worthy of becoming a full-fledged member of the Avengers team.

Now, on merits, both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield were good in their rolls as Spider-Man. But Tom Holland simply is Spider-Man. Period. This young British actor completely embodies the essence and energy of the original comic book character. And that is not just my opinion - that is what the creator of Spider-Man, Stan Lee himself, is saying. Incidentally, if you wonder where you saw Tom Holland before: he was one of the two boys that appeared with Ewan Mcgregor and Naomi Watts in The Impossible (2012)

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39udgGPyYMg

Tom Holland: the quintessential Spider-Man    

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2012)

Featuring: Andrew Garfield; Emma Stone; Rhys Ifans

Director: Marc Webb

This is basically a reboot of the original Spider-Man franchise. It follows roughly the same story line of a teenage nerd being bitten by some sort of super spider which gives him spider-like abilities. But that is where the similarities end. This film differs significantly from the Sam Raimi trilogy. It therefor has to be judged on its own merits.

As mentioned, the basic plot remains the same and it is thus not necessary to go into the details thereof. However, for me the story is a bit confusing. One is never quite sure what motivates the different characters; why do they do what they do? But the rest of the production (acting, special effects, all the other technical stuff) is superb. And Andrew Garfield is quite convincing in his role as Peter Parker / Spider-Man. Further is Emma Stone, as usual, very pleasing on the eye. Overall, this is a pretty good movie despite what many critics has to say.

I rate it at 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joh7Llb_3Xs

 Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man

SPIDER-MAN 3 (2007)

Featuring: Tobey Maguire; Kirsten Dunst; James Franco

Director: Sam Raimi

It seems like obligatory for all super hero's to go through some sort of 'darkness' or 'dark-side' some time or another in their existence and Spider-Man is no exception.

Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) finally feels he is ready for a committed relationship with Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). But then, through some sort of alien intervention, his Spider-Man suit starts to turn black. Not only does that bring out the not-so-nice-guy out of him, it also seems to magnify his powers and abilities. And that, in turn, is cause for inner conflict. He now has to choose between his good and evil self. To make matters even worse is that, at the same time, he has to contend with two new and very ferocious monsters, both intent on destroying him.

As was the case with the previous two films in this trilogy, this movie is actually pretty good in just about every aspect. It has a well thought out story line, good acting by the entire cast and breathtakingly good special effects. It is well worth its place in any respectable DVD collection.

I give it another 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTIP-Ih_GR0

 Director Sam Raimi (3rd from left) and the main cast members

 

 

SPIDER-MAN 2 (2004)

Featuring: Tobey Maguire; Kirsten Dunst; James Franco; Alfred Molina

Director: Sam Raimi

Like a spider, an octopus has eight limbs. It is therefor fitting that one of Spider-Man's opponents should be just such a creature.

Two years after graduating from high school, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) struggles to make ends meet in order for him to pay for his collage tuition. On the other hand, his erstwhile friend, Harry Osborn (James Franco) who took over his late father's industrial empire seems to thrive. But when an experiment at one of his factories goes horribly wrong and produces the monstrous Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), Spider-Man must use all his abilities and strength to prevent this machine-beast from destroying New York City.

The main focus of this first sequel in the franchise is the relationship between Peter and Mary-Jane (Kirsten Dunst). He is seriously conflicted between his love for her and his responsibilities as super-hero. Must he forsake the love of his life for his sense of duty or can he strike a balance? Like most super-hero movies these days there is a moral dilemma our protagonist has to deal with first before he is able to fully take up duties that come with his calling. 

Overall I enjoyed the movie and give it a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enmFqm_N_ZE

Spider-Man in the clutches of Doc-Ock