2012 is already being called the "Year of the Geek" and for good reason, we have a solid line-up for comic book movies next year including the new Superman movie, Ghost Rider 2, and let's not forget the two most anticipated films, The Dark Knight Rises and The Avengers. It's safe to say with the world coming to an end, all of us who sit in front of our computers in the dark, drinking Voltage, and watching pirated movies rather than porn, are going to die happy.
Being a volunteer at Vison's of Comics and Cards (local comic book store), we get our fair share of thrill seekers coming in just looking for an argument to start over which is going to be the quote unquote the "DOPEST" movie between The Avengers and TDKR, and when asked I reply with a hard and justified, NEITHER!!!
Yes I know everyone is sitting on their hands waiting for the next chapter of the Dark Knight, and everyone is wanting to see how The Avengers is going to play out (which we all know it's going to be the bee's knees), but in my honest opinion I'm anticipating, waiting, and keeping my fingers crossed that The Amazing Spider-Man to be the most breathetaking movie of 2012. I know The Dark Knight hasn't dissappointed in the least bit and The Avengers is something that's never been done before, and I'm just happy I'm living to see all these movies, but I've got such high hopes for The Amazing Spider-Man.
WARNING!!! THIS ARTICLE HAS THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TRAILER AND PANEL SPOILERS!!!
Now I know a majority of you have already seen the trailer already, and for those who haven't, it's pretty rad. The whole first person twist looks astonishing. It looks a lot darker and grittier than then Sam Raimi's Spider-Man already. The only thing I'm a little concerened about is the fact the Peter Parker gets bit in the back of the neck this time around, but that's no big deal, it's something new and something that I can easily get over (unlike some of you purist). Now in a recent interview with Emma Stone (the gorgeous actress playing Gwen Stacy) she shares that she's been studying the "Death of the Stacy's" series. Which may or may not be a leak that Marc Webb plans on killing off Gwen in his movie. Those who aren't familar with the ORIGINAL Amazing Spider-Man series may not know that Gwen is Peter Parker's first love, before he even met Mary Jane Watson. Putting Gwen in the film instead of Mary Jane is a big step in the right direction, because I'm pretty sure everyone is sick of the red haired broadway singer who's too full of herself to appreciate the fact that her boyfriend is saving the most populated city in America. Anyways, in the Amazing Spider-Man series from the 60's our love interest, Gwen Stacy, dies by the hands of the Green Goblin, but the Lizard has already been confirmed as the antagonist for The Amazing Spider-Man, but seeing how "by the books" Marc Webb is going with his film, I don't think he would have the Lizard kill off Gwen. I'm not one to be a purist, I like to see some stuff in comic book movies that I don't expect, a little twist here and there, but a change like that would be a little too drastic, and I think it would piss a lot of fans off. If you read the original comics you would know that Doctor Octopus is who ends up killing Captain Stacy (Gwen's Dad), but it's very possible the Lizard will be the reason for Captain Stacy's death instead (IF they kill him at all). I don't think that would be too serious of a change. I'm not saying that Captain Stacy's death wasn't important, I'm just saying that I think that would be something that the fans could deal with. It'd be a nice twist that fans wouldn't expect. Who knows, Emma Stone could've just been leading us on. There's always the chance that they decide not to kill off Gwen or her father, but they've already released a picture of Dennis Leary (Captain Stacy) looking beat up with several cuts blood on his clothes. They did show a scene on the trailer with Gwen Stacy standing in the rain at a funeral. Could be her father's? Spoiler? I could be wrong. It could just be Gwen attending Uncle Ben's funeral, but it would make more sense if it was her fathers.
Now I don't know if any of you have read anything from the panel, but you can rest easy knowing the Spider-Man is going to be... a wisecracking smart-ass!!! Swish! This is such a relief. I can have a Spider-Man who cracks jokes while webbing a criminal to a street light, instead of a finger snapping, street dancing, piano playing, hair flipping Spidey. I'm also very fond of the fact that a majority of the stunts and web swinging is real stunt work, rather than CGI. You can tell that these people are really dedicated to this film and are trying their best with it.
Here's what I think what Marc Webb is going to do, I believe that he's going to have Captain Stacy get involved with the battle between Spider-Man and the Lizard resulting in his untimely death, ending the first movie there. Then when Marc Webb makes his sequel (which he's already been talking about) he brings the Green Goblin back and has him kill off Gwen this time around. I'm almost positive they're going to throw a Norman Osbourne reference in this movie, or they may even give him a role. Which will give him more than enough room to be the starring villian in the sequel, and I would love to see the Green Goblin in his purple hat and brown satchel instead of the whole cybernetic look. Less is better in this case. Here's a picture of one of the alternate designs they originally had for the Green Goblin in Raimi's film, and the costume I wish they would've gone with.
I've got to get this off my chest. I can't stand the people who are complaining about Marc Webb killing Uncle Ben. Okay, I didn't hear anyone complain when TDK Batman's parents died, it's his origin. It kinda has to happen, at least they're doing it in a back alley this time instead of the middle of a street in New York, just quit complaining. You're crying over spilt milk. It's not continuity, it's his storyline. I'm not saying I'm excited about seeing Uncle Ben die again, but this time Peter's parents are going to be involved in the story which should give it a completely new and revised set-up for Spidey's origin. I don't know if they'll go as far as revealing the fact the Peter's parents were secret agents or if they'll just be in it for one scene and not be mentioned again. Either way there's a lot to expect from this movie. I'm extremely curious to see which direction they go with this. Will they bring Mary Jane back in the sequel before Gwen dies? Will it be worth the extra money to see it in 3D? AND WHAT WILL BECOME OF LITTLE BILLY CONNORS!?!?
Well guys that's about all I've got. Thanks for reading. I'm gonna try and get back in the groove of putting articles up on a weekly basis again. Glad to be back!