‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ showcases a well-spun web

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...

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ ends series on high note

The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan’s iconic follow-up to Batman Begins, has nothing left to prove. It’s one of the few films of the last decade to solidify its classic status – a film that impacted and influenced cinema in a way that will forever shape the idea of what a superhero movie is and what it can be. When plans were announced for a third installment – a follow-up to one of the most successful films of all time – many wondered if Nolan would be able to create a product that could top The Dark Knight. The idea of a sequel being better than its predecessor isn’t that hard to grasp. Time after time, we’ve seen second installments all but eclipse the films they follow. Third installments, though, are another ball game. Time after time, these efforts are written off as money-grabbing exploits that wring out every last bit of creative zest the said franchises have left. Rare films like Toy Story 3, The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi managed to give worthy closes to their franchises – beloved products that honor the films that precede them. Thankfully The Dark Knight Rises has joined that small group of worthy “threequels.” In the grandest sense possible, Nolan wanted to give his Batman series a proper send-off – a definitive end to a story that he has spent over seven years crafting. In many ways, Nolan succeeded in giving the franchise an ending worthy of the first two films. This fact alone is worth celebrating. But did he top...