Top 10 Most Disappointing Movies Of 2014 So Far (Mike’s List) Michael Lee, July 1, 2014July 1, 2014 1 – The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Question. How do you seriously screw up a superhero film like The Amazing Spider-Man 2? Answer get Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Jeff Pinker to write the script. This was the kind of film that was looking for redemption, after it proved that the reboot came way too soon. Whether its studio politics or bad scripts, the film franchise will never be the same, and with Sony already establishing a film universe for the webslinger, count on things to continue to go down hill. Much of The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s problems lie within Orci, Kurtzman, and Pinkman’s script, which was overstuffed of exposition, and lacked the sparkling chemistry between Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Part of what Marc Webb has an understanding of is that angst in any given relationship, but being anchored down to a clunky script like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is certainly going to ruin his reputation. Instead of being the guy who directed (500) Days Of Summer, he will probably be known for directing two very boring Spider-Man films. The script also wastes a promising young cast full of strong veteran support. We never got a chance to get acquainted with Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), and who knows why Felicia (Felicity Jones) was in this movie in the first place. Then actors like Jamie Foxx and Chris Cooper get their moments to shine, only to have their performances perverted by weak character motivations and development. All in all, I’d have to say that The Amazing Spider-Man 2, is hands down, the most disappointing film of the year so far. Honorable mentions. Of course there are some film’s that were disappointing, but not quite as disappointing as the aforementioned ten. For instance, Seth MacFarlane‘s A Million Ways To Die in the West also had promise, considering it was the director’s sophomore effort following the hilarious Ted. But the jokes fell flat, almost as if they rejected from the Ted script. While the film bolstered an impressive cast, A Million Ways lacked direction, and felt like it was going no where. Maleficent didn’t disappoint me as much, considering I actually watched it twice. But I just ended up feeling the same way about the film after both viewings. The film had those jaw dropping visuals you would expect to see in these Disney live-action fairy tale remakes, and Angelina Jolie is absolutely stunning as the titular character, taking command of almost every scene she is in. But a fairly weak story, along with a boring supporting cast, a creepy villain (Shartlo Copley) with a thing for rape, and Elle Fanning‘s performance is almost enough to put anyone to sleep. Thankfully, Jolie and Sam Riley’s chemistry is so fun to watch, it gives the film the energy it needs to to keep things interesting. Michael Bay‘s Transformers: Age Of Extinction deserves it’s own kind of recognition. Unanimously hated by all critics, the film is everything you come to expect to see in any Michael Bay film, so why even bother trying to critique it (Kevin hated it, in fact he hated it so much he gave the film MovieViral’s first 0/5). A film so convoluted, so poorly written, so full of product placement, and so sexed up (Nicola Peltz‘s character is 17 for Christ’s sakes), it’s way to easy to put this on a disappointed list or a worst of list. So take it for what the film is worth (that’s that I did in my review) which is a lot of things going kablooey, close up shots of underage female characters who look like they are in their 30s, and so much product placement up the wazoo no one will really blame you for buying something from Victoria Secret or chugging a Budlight after the film. Because Michael Bay films aren’t the kind of films you turn your brain off for the simple pleasures of watching, it’s the kind of film you don’t even bother to bring.Be sure to look for our top ten of the year so far, which will be posted very soon.Pages: 1 2 3 Features Reviews Muppets Most WantedNeed For SpeedNon-StopRide AlongRobocopThat Awkward MomentThe Amazing Spider-Man 2The Raid 2The SignalTranscendence
Movie Review: Let Fury Have the Hour December 14, 2012December 14, 2012The documentary Let Fury Have the Hour, written and directed by Antonino D’Ambrosio, opens in New York today. The film chronicles the creative response to the directions our politics and culture starting taking in the 1980s, and it features interviews with a bevy of artists. Read my review after the… Read More
“Guardians Of The Galaxy” Review: Marvel Studios’ Latest Is A Heartfelt Musical Burst Of Energy July 28, 2014July 31, 2014Marvel Studios really rolled the dice with James Gunn‘s Guardians of the Galaxy. And it paid off in spades! The first original film in Marvel Studios’ Phase 2 of the MCU, brilliant,spot-on funny, sharp, daring, and adventurous. Often times we say that every new Marvel film is better than the… Read More
‘After Earth’ Review: The Choice To See This Movie Is Real And It Should Not Be Feared June 1, 2013M. Night Shyamalan has somehow gone from being one of the most respected filmmakers in Hollywood to one of the most reviled almost overnight. Whether he is oblivious to the criticisms he receives or he just chooses to ignore them, it has become a running joke over the years about how… Read More