“The Amazing Spider-Man”
The origin of the web-slinging superhero is retold.
Director Marc Webb and screen writers James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves found a way to spin the story of the comic book hero with enough originality to appease fans while not straying too far from the well-known Spidey mythology created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko a half-century ago.
The film has a few bugs. Spider-Man purists will have to deal with the adjustments made to the character’s history, especially the spider bite not being as random as before. Otherwise, this reboot of Spider-Man is amazing.
Grade: A-
“Savages”
This is Oliver Stone’s film that’s based on Don Winslow’s best-selling crime novel. Most of Stone’s latest film is a gritty and gruesome look at the lives of two entrepreneurs who end up being forced to work with a Mexican cartel. The film is diminished by a contrived ending and Blake Lively’s weak narration.
Grade: B-
“Brave”
A young Scottish girl rebels against family traditions. With a string of well-written and dazzling-looking movies, it seemed like Pixar could do no animation wrong. But the company’s latest effort shows it isn’t perfect. The animation is still amazing, but an ill-conceived story leaves this production as appealing as a two-leaf clover.
Grade: C+
Also new
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Parts 1 and 2: Ultimate Edition”: Combo pack of the two films.
“Empire of the Sun”: Steven Spielberg film is being re-released to mark its 25th anniversary.
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding: 10th Anniversary Special Edition”: Stars Nia Vardalos and John Corbett.
Rick Bentley, The Fresno Bee (Fresno, Calif.)
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