Community Corner
Dinner and a Movie: The Amazing Spider-Man Spins More Fun Than the Original
Spiderman is back swinging at the box office, with different actors, a different look, and a whole lot more spidey-swagger.
Spiderman is back and we love it!
Andrew Garfield takes over from Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, a nerdy kid who gets bitten by a radioactive arachnid in The Amazing Spiderman.
The film is somewhat of a reboot about the origins of Spiderman. Parker gets bullied in school, meets a pretty girl, gets spidey powers, he family falls victim to street thugs, he becomes a superhero. It's pretty much the same storyline, just a bit grittier than the one 10 years ago. This one has more swagger, more angst and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, the new spidey love interest.
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This is not a total carbon copy of the original but it's basically the same storyline. Different actors, sure, a different director, sure—there is even a different bad guy, the CGI is better, it's even in 3D. But honestly, it's pretty much a remake.
Don't get me wrong, the film is entertaining. It's slick, Garfield is great, so is Stone. There is plenty of action and plenty of romance. You know how the story is going to end because there is a good chance you saw the first film but, like a well worn shoe, it's got that (sole/soul) that feels good to the audience.
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The film is redundant. The story is familiar to the audience and, for the Spiderman Purists out there, it is telling it wrong. I will leave out the spoilers here. The first half hour or so I hated the movie but little by little I began to like it. So the flick-o-meter gives The Amazing Spiderman a four out of five.
There is nothing really amazing about this spiderman and the film is not breaking new ground. In fact, it was unnecessary. That being said, it was good. The two plus hour film slowly grows on you with its energy and grandeur. Check it out, you'll see.
SHOWTIMES:
"The Amazing Spider-Man" is playing Saturday at the UA Laguna Village 12, 8755 Center Pkwy, at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 3:50 p.m., 6:10 p.m., 7:10 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
DINNER:
Looking for somewhere nearby to nosh after the movie? Try Thai Basil in Laguna, where you can feast on traditional favorites like Pad Thai (rice noodles sautéed in a tangy sauce) or Kow Pad, the Thai take on fried rice. For the more adventurous eaters, try the spicy green papaya salad. Thai Basil is located at 8785 Center Pkwy, Suite B 120.
Additional reporting by Patch Staff