Oh man! This new spiderman movie definitely outdoes even the ones starring Franco.
Although that’s a blatant lie (Franco is the Midas of any film), this one take “Superhero” movie series comes in close second. Aside from Ironman, I could never really get into most of these Marvel comic style films later in life. Robert Downey Jr. is easy to watch because he’s sexy and sarcastic – a delicious mix. So when he flies off in metal armor to kick ass and take names, it’s muh-fuggin captivating. But every other comic story I’ve liked – was because of the villains I’ve loved.
Batman appealed to me because of the Kilmer version that came out in the mid 90’s when I was a kid. I saw Batman Forever in the theater, bought the soundtrack, pretended I was gangster listening to Method Man’s “Riddler”, and binge-played out the video game version on Game Gear. Because I was born into a human body with a brain organ, that association with my childhood stuck forevermore and I’m totally powerless over it. Just like I was powerless over Jim Carrey and his “Riddler”character. By that point in my young life, I was already quickly deciding that my future husband would need to be funny by trade – this kind of sealed my affinity for comedians who might have a latent villainous streak streaming just under the surface.
Or overflowing, like The Joker.
The Dark Knight’s joker was undeniably funny – another comical badboy (in a far darker sense). The role prep of a psychopathic madman was arguably part of Ledger’s real-life spiral – which sucks because he knocked it outta the park with his delivery. Subtle one liners juxtaposed against eccentric, melting, clown-makeup made for an epic end result. I don’t enjoy movie theaters, but I went for this flick – just to see Ledger’s legendary Joker. Plus he taught me important lessons:
Of course, when Franco reappeared in the Green Hornet, I gave it a chance – just in case it was any good. While Rogen and his sidekick were appealing in a it’s-funny-in-a-Rush-Hour-sort’ve-way, it’s the kind of humor that’s like a disconnected orgasm – only good for a laugh while it’s happening but totally forgettable.
To be fair, I don’t remember much because I think I stopped watching when Franco got –spoiler alert – remote control murdered from a bomb detonation or something.
And that’s why the one-take superhero flick is great. It’s unforgettable in its brevity and I don’t have time to get bored.
Or maybe I just like the part with Andy Warhol at the end – before Justin Long shoots him.