What makes a hero? A spider with heart
Devoting your life to spinning webs any size and catching
thieves just like flies can be a major drag. You end up falling behind on your
studies and losing your job because you always show up late, and the chance
of having a meaningful relationship is remote. I mean, how much time are you
really going to have for romantic getaways when you have to be constantly on
the lookout for deranged supervillains?
That’s the dilemma facing Peter Parker in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2,
a rock ’em, sock ’em sequel that delivers everything you’d expect from a big-budget
superhero epic packed with spectacular action scenes. What makes this film special
is that it effectively delves into the mind and heart of its hero, making it
an emotional roller-coaster ride as well.
Since being accidentally bestowed with the powers of a spider, Parker (Tobey
Maguire) has been forced to find a balance between his private life and the
responsibility he shoulders because of his “gift.” His life reaches a crossroads
when he realizes that he can no longer deny his love for Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten
Dunst) and that he must take a more active part in the life of his widowed Aunt
May (Rosemary Harris). These reasons, and the fact that his powers seem to be
fading, lead Parker to quit being Spider-Man, a decision he’s forced to reconsider
with the appearance of Dr. Octopus (Alfred Molina), a scientist whose mind snaps
after an accident leaves him with four metal arms grafted to his body.
Raimi delivers one astounding set piece after another, but it’s the human
aspect of the film that gives it resonance. The film goes to great lengths to
point out that a hero lies within each of us and that simply deciding to act
in a selfless manner is all it takes to bring that hero forth. By delivering
that notion with sincerity and providing first-rate thrills as well, Spider-Man
2 proves a rare film indeed — a popcorn movie with heart.
What other critics are saying. . .
Around the World in 80 Days [PG]Jules Verne’s novel gets another
go, with Steve Coogan cast as Phileas Fogg, the adventurer who travels the globe
in a hot-air balloon. The top-billed Jackie Chan co-stars as Fogg’s sidekick,
so expect some martial-arts action.Parkway Pointe
The Chronicles of Riddick [PG-13]Vin Diesel returns in the
sequel to his first hit, Pitch Black, as an escaped alien convict who
can see in the dark. The story picks up five years later as Riddick becomes
involved in a galactic war. “Mostly a ponderous chronicle.” (Owen Gleiberman,
Entertainment Weekly) ShowPlace West
The Day After Tomorrow [PG-13] Global warming throws the world into
chaos. “The only truly scary thing about this doomsday popcorn flick is the
monumental ineptitude of the acting, writing and directing.” (Peter Travers,
Rolling Stone) ShowPlace West, Route 66 Drive-In
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story [PG-13] Vince Vaughn leads a group
of friends to a dodgeball competition in Las Vegas to save their favorite gym.
Ben Stiller leads the corporate team. Reviewed this issue. “Not sure where the
producers get off implying that this sports-movie satire is in any way true,
but it’s so preposterous, few are likely to be confused.” (Luke Y. Thompson,
New Times newspapers)Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
Fahrenheit 9/11 [NR] Michael Moore (director of Roger & Me,
Bowling for Columbine) looks at the Bush Administration’s response to
the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. “What’s remarkable here isn’t Moore’s political
animosity or ticklish wit. It’s the well-argued, heartfelt power of his persuasion.”
(Desson Thomson, Washington Post) Parkway Pointe
Garfield [PG] The famous cartoon cat finally comes to the big screen
in a mix of live action and CGI animation. Bill Murray seems the ideal choice
to voice the cat with an attitude. Parkway Pointe, Route 66 Drive-In
The Notebook [PG-13]Two young lovers from different backgrounds
are separated when the U.S. enters World War II. Seven years later, she is engaged
to a soldier when she discovers the whereabouts of her first true love.“Mercilessly
plodding pacing, problematic character motivations and a fundamental lack of
chemistry between the two star-crossed lovers.” (Michael Rechtshaffen, Hollywood
Reporter) Parkway Pointe, ShowPlace East
Shrek 2 [PG] Princess Fiona’s parents invite her and Shrek to dinner
to celebrate her marriage, not realizing that the newlyweds are green ogres.
ShowPlace West, Route 66 Drive-In
The Stepford Wives [PG-13]Nicole Kidman stars in this remake
of a mediocre 1970s science-fiction thriller about a suburban town whose female
citizens are too perfect and very artificial. Reviewed this issue. “An empty
comedy that takes hackneyed potshots at consumerism.” (Desson Thomson, Washington
Post)Parkway Pointe
The Terminal [PG-13] Tom Hanks stars in this Steven Spielberg romantic
comedy as an Eastern European immigrant who is confined to an American airport
after his country is ravaged by war. Catherine Zeta-Jones co-stars. ShowPlace
West, ShowPlace East, Route 66 Drive-In
Two Brothers [PG] Two tigers are separated as cubs are inadvertently
brought together years later by an explorer. Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud
(The Bear).“A strong tiger-centered story drives this endearing
drama which takes cute and runs with it, climbs up trees with it, sucks your
thumbs with it.” (Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card) ShowPlace West
White Chicks [PG-13] Marlon and Shawn Wayans star as a pair of bumbling
FBI agents who volunteer to protect two rich heiresses, patterned after the
Hilton sisters. Part of their plan is to pose as the girls — in drag and white
makeup. Older brother Keenen Ivory Wayans directed. ShowPlace West,
ShowPlace East
This article appears in Jul 1-7, 2004.
