by LeBron Hill | Jan 31, 2019 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Lumination Arts and Entertainment reporter LeBron Hill discussed the recent nominations of the 91st annual Oscars with filmmakers Steve Taylor, Sydney Tooley and Nashville film critic Cory Woodroof. Topics ranged from the quality of this year’s work to nomination snubs and expectations of the year. Watch the full video below: ...
by Sarah McGee | May 12, 2014 | Opinion
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 had many elements that made the movie seem like it could be a tough one to watch. With a large cast list and a score created by Hans Zimmer with influence from Pharrell Williams, it was easy for anyone to be skeptical. The major surprise though was how easily the elements of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 came together. From the beginning of the film, an emotional connection is built with character Max Dillon after he is saved by Spider-Man. Jamie Foxx makes the viewer feel for his character, despite us already knowing his fate as the villain Electro. The music added even more to every scene. One wouldn’t think that Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams would ever make sense together, but the duo, along with a host of other musicians, make for a great team. Viewers are given a glimpse into Electro’s mind through music. It isn’t long after the audience is introduced to Electro that we meet another new player, Harry Osborne. The dark elements of Harry are brought out even more by Dane DeHaan and his constant look of mischief. It might be just the designer eye bags, but DeHaan evokes the anger and sadness that Osborn feels in such an impressive way, while also succeeding in making the audience laugh. The movie had a large amount of comedy embedded throughout, but don’t be fooled. The emotions you feel during the film will be intense, although I won’t say why for those who have not read the comics or succeeded in staying spoiler-free. Along with humor, the romantic elements were all over the...
by Cory Woodroof | Jul 3, 2012 | Uncategorized
If when watching The Amazing Spider-Man a feeling of sincere déjà vu looms over your collective memory, then don’t worry. You’re not alone. The newest incarnation of everyone’s friendly neighborhood hero might seem a bit too familiar to some since this origin story has already been told to greater success. I’m talking, of course, about 2002’s Spider-Man. The original take on Peter Parker’s rise to hero status featured Tobey Maguire’s nerdy Parker, Willem Dafoe’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-esque Norman Osborne/Green Goblin, Kirsten Dunst’s dreamy love interest Mary Jane Watson, James Franco’s cool-but-jaded best friend Harry Osborne, the infamous upside-down rain kiss, pumpkin bombs, a jerky Flash Thompson and, of course, Uncle Ben’s legendary call for great responsibility to follow great power. Two sequels soon followed. Five years removed from Spider-Man 3 (the final film in the original trilogy), the new Spider-Man flick feels a little too close for comfort. This time, Andrew Garfield plays a hipper version of Peter (skateboard and angst included), Rhys Ifans plays the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-esque Dr. Curt Connors/Lizard, Emma Stone plays the dreamy love interest Gwen Stacy. There’s no best friend for Parker this time (he’s a loner, naturally), but we’ve got another jerky Flash Thompson, more kissing, another scientific weapon and, of course, a call for responsibility from Uncle Ben. See what I’m coming from? I don’t want to make this review seem more negative than it is (I actually liked elements of the film quite a bit), but as origin stories go, you’re going to have to shake off the inert feeling déjà vu if you have any desire to truly enjoy this reboot....
