Top Fours: Upon Further Review
Hello CBMers!!! Been bored beyond recognition this week, and in my boredom I found myself watching certain films again and with multiple viewings. These further viewings also have helped me to new conclusions to how I feel about the movie. Its funny certain films endeared and won me over in ways I hadn’t even thought about and yet some, in brilliant counter programming, left me scathed. A week of newfound appreciation and disgust abound. Holding serve with the theme of my now anthological articles of Top Fours, I have decided to highlight the four that made the most changes in my opinions. Just don’t forget; these are only my opinions as always and please let me know if you have experienced these same “shifts of opinions” with newer viewings of a film you once either disliked or really enjoyed. And without further ado...
1 - IRON MAN 3
This gosh darn film, man I really left the theater feeling mixed. Great action sequences with some odd choices. Now that this film has made it to cable, I find myself watching it every time and finding something more to admire about it. The cast was incredible, they entertain like nothing else, and each actor just exuded fun. The plot has evolved from terrible bait switch, to enthralling thriller returning Iron Man to basics. Killian was a great Mandarin; I liked the burn marks that came to resemble two dragons on his chest. Trevor looks like he may yet develop into an interesting character. Some superb, grand, and exciting action sequences. Plus it was great to see Johnny Cage is still alive, I’m certain that was him at the Air Force communications desk asking about Rhodes and Air Force One. Does it read “tron” on Tony’s car as he drives away with the salvaged “dummies”? Oh Banner, is still quite the comedian……….URGH.
2 – HULK/THE INCREDIBLE HULK
So, I’m cheating with this one here, but I actually have the opposite shifting experience with these films. I am truly marveled; yes you read that correctly, by Ang Lee’s Hulk. It’s visually enchanting and intensely crafted. Lee experiments with shots never even seen in standard filming let alone comic book movies. Bana was a terrific Banner, and as I stated in a previous article, I love how he and Lee generated a different side to Banner. When he talks of being the Hulk and unlike other incarnations, when it happens, and when he loses control, “he likes it.” Wow this is cool, usually it’s such a burden he walks the planet in search of getting rid of it. The army battles were straight from Kirby’s earliest pages and I was intrigued by the idea that he grew larger and stronger with more anger. Yes, the villains were rather lackluster, but I will defend this movie until one day it will be highly regarded. What about that other Hulk cinema screen adventure? I did write up an entire article about how much I can no longer stand that movie. The majority of my hatred comes from that one damn scene, were the drama and excitement is culminating, and either Banner will fall out of that helicopter to his death or transform into the Hulk and valiantly enter into battle with the Abomination. The camera zooms onto Banner’s face and what’s this? He’s not going to change?? WAAAA-WAAAA, so damn lame. And that damn stupid heart monitor watch, cool idea, was only used for a stupid sex joke. UGH!
3 – WATCHMEN
The epic story of comicdom captured on screen, and captured brilliantly. I hope one day this film becomes as revered as it deserves to be. Perhaps I am biased because I hold the graphic novel upon which it is based in such high regard. Damn Snyder, you did something special. The comic series that was birthed as the greatest as well as unfilmable was up there on that movie screen. Scenes, dialogue, and characters taken directly from the comic books and brought to vibrant motion. The actors were incredible, the music was perfect, and the costumes were stunning. The plot is streamlined and many of the comic's tedious elements have been removed, but this film still stays utterly true to the source material. You have Rorschach's bleakness and determination, Dr. Manhattan's disconnect and power, Comedian's ruthless and aggressive attitude, and so much more. The scenes are just as beautiful and mesmerizing in the film as they are in the comic books. I feel this film is often overlooked, because of its adult themes but as more people age and discover the original comic series, they will no doubt be just as impressed with this motion picture.
4 – THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
This one hurts the most, because I was so impressed when I saw this for the first time. I still think this film features the better Parker/Spiderman in Garfield, he was just perfect. When I first viewed it, I liked to hold the film in comparison to something Nolan often accomplishes, smart, gripping, and atmospheric. However with more viewings, there is no denying that Webb cannot even enter that same parking lot as Nolan; there are great moments but overall the film is so disjointed. Although, this movie does feature the greatest Stan Lee cameo of all time; his oblivious librarian is fantastic. Everything else just falls short and feels somewhat…dare I say…campy? The now infamous crane scene, Lizard’s oddball plot (seriously what the hell was he trying to accomplish, I always thought he just wanted an arm, not make everyone a lizard), downright perplexing sport scenes, Gwen being able to counteract this secretly manufactured “lizard gas”, and the idiotic decision to not have Uncle Ben speak those defining and famous words. It’s a shame because I was captivated by Garfield’s Spidey; I felt his anger, discontent, awkwardness, and his strength. His performance alone gives me hope for the sequel.
Well there it is; Top Fours edition five. Comment and let me know what you think and if you’ve had similar shifts in opinions about certain movies. Auf Wiedersehen!!
DAMMIT I had pictures, honestly I did.