Stuff
Wow, it's been a while since this was updated properly.
Let me see, let me see....
Dan Cottrell (formerly a visiting multimedia manager) has become my full time manager. He's a nice enough guy, but some other salesmen on my team hate him with a passion. Dan's a good manager, and he's certainly enthusiastic, but his personal skills leave something to be desired. Admittedly, he's still learning how to become a good manager, as he's only 19, but whilst part of me likes having a manager who actually -cares- about the work we do, it IS a bit galling to be bossed around by someone who was still in grade 11 when I started university.
Nicola and I are getting on well. Just as friends (I haven't asked her out again) but it really makes my day to make her smile. She has one of those open faces that just begs to be grinning, and when she does...it's amazing, the effect it has on everyone around her. However, now she's a full-time Supervisor, and the rules of Toys R Us makes things clear - no Supervisor or Manager can date, or even socialise, with a regular worker. I always thought it was a dumb rule, and now I know why.
I entered my last ever singing contest! And failed miserably. One of the judges is tone deaf, and was looking mostly at style and performance, and although I gave a good performance, I still didn't get through to the final, which is tomorrow. However, it didn't stop him letting two of his friends through.
I saw Spiderman 2 last night. It was kinda sad, because the cinema was almost empty, and yet two little kids came and sat right next to me, on my left....I doubt it was to annoy me, because I -did- have the pick of seats, and chose the best ones in the house. No "movie at an angle" for me, no sir! They both kept rustling their sweet wrappers, and one of them kept whispering to the other one the whole time, which wound me up. I wanted to tell them to shut up and just enjoy the movie, but for some reason, I didn't. Admittedly, I very nearly looked for another seat during the previews, because they cheered -very- loudly when the trailer for I, Robot came on. I bet they've never even heard of Issac Asimov.
Plus, of course, there were the obligatory popcorn fights in the back rows...reminds me as to why I haven't been to a cinema since Episode One came out. I generally wait for the DVD, so I can watch in peace, as opposed to spending the same amount on a movie ticket and have my feet stick to the floor. Although my stub rocks.
What Worked:
More of the post 9/11 "New Yorkers Stick Together" feelings. The resolution to the Subway scene was very nicely handled, and just makes people (in New York, presumably) feel good about themselves. In the original, it meant showing random people throwing litter at the Green Goblin whilst saying things like "We're New Yorkers - you mess with one of us, you mess with ALL of us", etc, etc - in the sequel, it was more restrained, but just as touching.
Doc Ock. Molina was very believable as the Crazy Scientist gone wrong, because the script portrayed him as a human being. Now, I think that Willem DeFoe is a great actor, but in Spiderman, he was shown as a guy who was wronged and wanted absolution and revenge. Spiderman 2 gave us a character who was very much human, and made me, as an audience member, care about his fate. As someone who knew, roughly, what would probably happen, it made me annoyed I had two kids who wouldn't shut up and stop moving on my left, and two seats down on my right, have a guy who obviously didn't want to be there - his every exhalation was a sigh, I swear. Although it was better than that guy two rows in front of me. Every time Kirsten Dunst came on the screen, so did he.
Hiiiyoooo.
The characterisations were brilliant. It -did seem as if Dunst was the thespian equivalent of a car stuck in mud, but that seemed to be more about the script than anything else.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Do you love me?"
"Maybe."
"Do you love me?"
"Naaaaah."
"Do you love me?"
"Who are you?"
The cameo towards the end. I'll touch more upon that in my "some thoughts" paragraphs, but I liked it.
What didn't work:
Here's the ONE thing that bothered me about the movie. The only thing. Apart from all the CGI - I don't care what anyone says, it's STILL noticeable.
The movie, in case anyone wasn't aware, is called Spiderman 2. The "2" bit is very important, I feel, because it's a sequel denomination - it's the second movie in a series. It stands to reason, therefore, that anyone who goes to see this movie will have seen the first one beforehand, or will, at least, be partially aware of the backstory of the Webslinger. So why spend at least a fifth of the movie rehashing over events? Granted, there might be some newcomers to the movie, but the only people interested in what's going on will have seen the original, or know what everyone's talking about. There was really no need to do some of the conversations, which could have been used to foreshadow Part 3 a little more.
Some thoughts without spoilers (as best I can. I assume most people have seen it already, but for those of you who haven't, I'll try to keep it vague):
Firstly, the whole thing with the person in the thingy who talks to What's-his-name, before What's-his-name finds the place where the stuff was kept? YOU know what I mean. That cameo part - that really sticks in my mind, because I wasn't expecting it at all. I believe this is being called "The Discovery Scene", if that clears things up. It was fantastic, and surprised the hell outta me.
Secondly, the ending. It was nice (the look on MJ's face was excellent, as she resigns herself to her fate) but I was a bit surprised that they let everything out. To be honest, I know that Sam Raimi has another three movies to do, but I honestly can't see how they'd get it past 3 without being a stretch. The third movie DOES need to be done, because of the Discovery Scene - it needs to be explored, although I think that it'll be Hob, and not Green. (those who have seen it will know and understand). if it's Green, then it'd be too obvious, but Hob would make Spiderman go "What? What's going on!" Green is too "oh, it's HIIIM!" Three needs to be made because it's a resolution to the cycle. But if they made Four, it'd have to be made without that, and take a whole different route (presumably with different actors).
Good brief cameo by Stan Lee, in a blink-and-you'll-miss-him part which basically reprises his same role from Spiderman. The characters, as well as the actors, have obviously evolved, and it made me glad to see that it wasn't just a tired re-hash.
Lastly. Bruce Campbell. He is SO the man. Which reminds me - anyone else spot the "Evil Dead" homage? Send me a Private Message if you did!
Now, onto the pretty big ongoing speculation as to whom the villain (or villains) will be in SM 3.
I don't really think The Lizard will play a part in SM 3. Bear in mind that "Dr Conners" got a mention in Part 1 (I watched the DVD before I went out today, in preperation), it would have been great to keep with that part for 2, and show Peter getting his job back (The scene in question is from Part One, where Peter tells Harry that "Doctor Conners fired me today") - sure, it doesn't really let non-fans in on everything as well as Part Two does, but a fair bit of part two seems to recap the original movie, as if to get people up to speed on the mythos.
Now, whilst John Jameson was shown in part two (hardly a big secret) I don't think they'll do anything with him. His character wasn't really invested into...he was just Some Guy, and nobody's really going to care about him if he DOES show up in 3. Unless Raimi goes the whole Cartoon route to introduce the substance that becomes Venom, as well as Spidermans' reasons for being so close at hand when the shuttle crashes. That would give a reason for Jameson being on that shuttle, and lead back to the whole "With Great Power..." schtick that gets rammed down our throats every 10 minutes or so. Because if what happened DIDN'T happen, then Jameson wouldn't be on the shuttle, etc. Of course, with the exception of the superpowers, etc, then it's pretty much how REAL people would act, and all the superpowers are explained away by possible (but not probable) means. How they'll try to explain away an intergalactic, brain eating goop that turns into an Evil Spiderman is beyond me.
With everything that happened with JJJ, I can't see him playing a big part in 3. His character suffered a full evolution/regression in this movie (once again, those who have seen it will understand) and so the part is useless. I do have one question, however - does Robbie Robertson know about Peter Parker being Spiderman? I would have shrugged it off, but there's one moment when I wasn't too sure. Certainly, his character is shown, in this movie, to be a lot smarter than JJJ, but that's to be expected, when you consider that JJJ is the typical "racist" of the movie.
One final thought - They left the door WIDE open for Doc Ock to return.
Now that the "life" stuff is out of the way....
Let me see, let me see....
Dan Cottrell (formerly a visiting multimedia manager) has become my full time manager. He's a nice enough guy, but some other salesmen on my team hate him with a passion. Dan's a good manager, and he's certainly enthusiastic, but his personal skills leave something to be desired. Admittedly, he's still learning how to become a good manager, as he's only 19, but whilst part of me likes having a manager who actually -cares- about the work we do, it IS a bit galling to be bossed around by someone who was still in grade 11 when I started university.
Nicola and I are getting on well. Just as friends (I haven't asked her out again) but it really makes my day to make her smile. She has one of those open faces that just begs to be grinning, and when she does...it's amazing, the effect it has on everyone around her. However, now she's a full-time Supervisor, and the rules of Toys R Us makes things clear - no Supervisor or Manager can date, or even socialise, with a regular worker. I always thought it was a dumb rule, and now I know why.
I entered my last ever singing contest! And failed miserably. One of the judges is tone deaf, and was looking mostly at style and performance, and although I gave a good performance, I still didn't get through to the final, which is tomorrow. However, it didn't stop him letting two of his friends through.
I saw Spiderman 2 last night. It was kinda sad, because the cinema was almost empty, and yet two little kids came and sat right next to me, on my left....I doubt it was to annoy me, because I -did- have the pick of seats, and chose the best ones in the house. No "movie at an angle" for me, no sir! They both kept rustling their sweet wrappers, and one of them kept whispering to the other one the whole time, which wound me up. I wanted to tell them to shut up and just enjoy the movie, but for some reason, I didn't. Admittedly, I very nearly looked for another seat during the previews, because they cheered -very- loudly when the trailer for I, Robot came on. I bet they've never even heard of Issac Asimov.
Plus, of course, there were the obligatory popcorn fights in the back rows...reminds me as to why I haven't been to a cinema since Episode One came out. I generally wait for the DVD, so I can watch in peace, as opposed to spending the same amount on a movie ticket and have my feet stick to the floor. Although my stub rocks.
What Worked:
More of the post 9/11 "New Yorkers Stick Together" feelings. The resolution to the Subway scene was very nicely handled, and just makes people (in New York, presumably) feel good about themselves. In the original, it meant showing random people throwing litter at the Green Goblin whilst saying things like "We're New Yorkers - you mess with one of us, you mess with ALL of us", etc, etc - in the sequel, it was more restrained, but just as touching.
Doc Ock. Molina was very believable as the Crazy Scientist gone wrong, because the script portrayed him as a human being. Now, I think that Willem DeFoe is a great actor, but in Spiderman, he was shown as a guy who was wronged and wanted absolution and revenge. Spiderman 2 gave us a character who was very much human, and made me, as an audience member, care about his fate. As someone who knew, roughly, what would probably happen, it made me annoyed I had two kids who wouldn't shut up and stop moving on my left, and two seats down on my right, have a guy who obviously didn't want to be there - his every exhalation was a sigh, I swear. Although it was better than that guy two rows in front of me. Every time Kirsten Dunst came on the screen, so did he.
Hiiiyoooo.
The characterisations were brilliant. It -did seem as if Dunst was the thespian equivalent of a car stuck in mud, but that seemed to be more about the script than anything else.
"Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Do you love me?"
"Maybe."
"Do you love me?"
"Naaaaah."
"Do you love me?"
"Who are you?"
The cameo towards the end. I'll touch more upon that in my "some thoughts" paragraphs, but I liked it.
What didn't work:
Here's the ONE thing that bothered me about the movie. The only thing. Apart from all the CGI - I don't care what anyone says, it's STILL noticeable.
The movie, in case anyone wasn't aware, is called Spiderman 2. The "2" bit is very important, I feel, because it's a sequel denomination - it's the second movie in a series. It stands to reason, therefore, that anyone who goes to see this movie will have seen the first one beforehand, or will, at least, be partially aware of the backstory of the Webslinger. So why spend at least a fifth of the movie rehashing over events? Granted, there might be some newcomers to the movie, but the only people interested in what's going on will have seen the original, or know what everyone's talking about. There was really no need to do some of the conversations, which could have been used to foreshadow Part 3 a little more.
Some thoughts without spoilers (as best I can. I assume most people have seen it already, but for those of you who haven't, I'll try to keep it vague):
Firstly, the whole thing with the person in the thingy who talks to What's-his-name, before What's-his-name finds the place where the stuff was kept? YOU know what I mean. That cameo part - that really sticks in my mind, because I wasn't expecting it at all. I believe this is being called "The Discovery Scene", if that clears things up. It was fantastic, and surprised the hell outta me.
Secondly, the ending. It was nice (the look on MJ's face was excellent, as she resigns herself to her fate) but I was a bit surprised that they let everything out. To be honest, I know that Sam Raimi has another three movies to do, but I honestly can't see how they'd get it past 3 without being a stretch. The third movie DOES need to be done, because of the Discovery Scene - it needs to be explored, although I think that it'll be Hob, and not Green. (those who have seen it will know and understand). if it's Green, then it'd be too obvious, but Hob would make Spiderman go "What? What's going on!" Green is too "oh, it's HIIIM!" Three needs to be made because it's a resolution to the cycle. But if they made Four, it'd have to be made without that, and take a whole different route (presumably with different actors).
Good brief cameo by Stan Lee, in a blink-and-you'll-miss-him part which basically reprises his same role from Spiderman. The characters, as well as the actors, have obviously evolved, and it made me glad to see that it wasn't just a tired re-hash.
Lastly. Bruce Campbell. He is SO the man. Which reminds me - anyone else spot the "Evil Dead" homage? Send me a Private Message if you did!
Now, onto the pretty big ongoing speculation as to whom the villain (or villains) will be in SM 3.
I don't really think The Lizard will play a part in SM 3. Bear in mind that "Dr Conners" got a mention in Part 1 (I watched the DVD before I went out today, in preperation), it would have been great to keep with that part for 2, and show Peter getting his job back (The scene in question is from Part One, where Peter tells Harry that "Doctor Conners fired me today") - sure, it doesn't really let non-fans in on everything as well as Part Two does, but a fair bit of part two seems to recap the original movie, as if to get people up to speed on the mythos.
Now, whilst John Jameson was shown in part two (hardly a big secret) I don't think they'll do anything with him. His character wasn't really invested into...he was just Some Guy, and nobody's really going to care about him if he DOES show up in 3. Unless Raimi goes the whole Cartoon route to introduce the substance that becomes Venom, as well as Spidermans' reasons for being so close at hand when the shuttle crashes. That would give a reason for Jameson being on that shuttle, and lead back to the whole "With Great Power..." schtick that gets rammed down our throats every 10 minutes or so. Because if what happened DIDN'T happen, then Jameson wouldn't be on the shuttle, etc. Of course, with the exception of the superpowers, etc, then it's pretty much how REAL people would act, and all the superpowers are explained away by possible (but not probable) means. How they'll try to explain away an intergalactic, brain eating goop that turns into an Evil Spiderman is beyond me.
With everything that happened with JJJ, I can't see him playing a big part in 3. His character suffered a full evolution/regression in this movie (once again, those who have seen it will understand) and so the part is useless. I do have one question, however - does Robbie Robertson know about Peter Parker being Spiderman? I would have shrugged it off, but there's one moment when I wasn't too sure. Certainly, his character is shown, in this movie, to be a lot smarter than JJJ, but that's to be expected, when you consider that JJJ is the typical "racist" of the movie.
One final thought - They left the door WIDE open for Doc Ock to return.
Now that the "life" stuff is out of the way....