With great ability comes great accountability (Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse)

 

 

 

228.

Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse

 

 

 

9/10

 

So we've been given quite a few Spider-man movies over the years but this one is going to be completely different. This time we are given an animation but from the extended trailer, it looks like a type of animation I haven't watched before. This is already making it stand out for me with its retro colours and graphics, making it look like you are viewing an actual comic strip. Coming with a cast well-known and some new kids on the block, I'm really intrigued by how this Marvel movie is going to play out. We already know that for once, we are not going to be mainly focusing on Peter Parker. This time we are focusing on a younger character, Miles Morales, an African-American lad from Brooklyn. Let's swing into the action.
A quick run-through of the storyline may be enough to give anyone who hasn't seen this movie, enough of a reason to. Then the movie begins with a synopsis of Spider-man's background, told by himself before we settle to Miles' story. Miles is on his way to private school and on his way, he stickers some lampposts with his own graffiti. This is before he trips in front of a police car, driven by his dad and is dropped off outside of school. On entry, he tries quickly to fit in but you can tell his actions and style doesn't fit with the others. That night he heads to meet his uncle, who takes him to an abandoned subway to put a massive graffiti up. We know he's miles, mind the pun, ahead in school but tries to fail on purpose. Being around his uncle, he can be himself. From nowhere, a glitching spider drops down and decides to change Miles' life. Bitten, he thinks nothing of it until we get the usual awkward scene of someone trying to control their powers. Bumping into a really awkward blonde girl and finally going back to the subway to find the spider.

 

 

 

Whilst down there, what seems like a small earthquake hits and a crack opens, exposing a fight between Spider-man and the Green Goblin. Spider-man even has time to save Miles, who has fallen off a ledge. Knowing he too has powers he's willing to show him a couple of moves after this night. Kingpin is trying to open a mortal to the multi-verse and as the Goblin holds Spider-man into the void, we see a flicker of other characters before it causes an explosion and wipes out the surrounding area. Kingpin makes his way down to ground zero and comes across Spider-man, unmasking and killing him.
The news of the death is broadcast around the city and Miles knows it might be up to him to step up. He visits Peter's grave, only to be disturbed by someone who is a canny resemblance of the dead hero. He electrocutes him by accident and is chased through the streets by the cops. Once he's woken Peter up, he explains that he needs to help, explains the portal and that the other Peter had given him a USB, which can help to shut it down. Problem is, he's broke it when trying to jump from a rooftop. Right now, he's wearing a fancy dress Spider-man outfit, which he bought from a seller who looks a lot like Stan Lee. Finally being allowed to help. The two head to Kingpin's lab to get the info that was once on the USB. They find it in the female head scientists room and Miles once again cannot control his powers. That's until he is told to calm down by doing something he likes. He starts singing and his drop to the ground alerts the scientist. Miles finds a new super-power though, he can now turn invisible. Prett handy. Peter is interrogated by the scientist, who is, in fact, a doctor and not just any doctor. Her enemies call her DOC OC! Love that twist and here come her extra arms. They head into the woods to escape, only to get into a spot of bother and that's when we are introduced to another Spier-person. This time from a third universe. This time its Spider-Gwen and we've already met her. She's the blonde from school, who was acting awkward because she also knew that Miles was like her. The three finally escape and head to the only place they can create a new USB, apparently. Arriving at Aunt May's, who back in this Peter's dimension, is dead. They have their introductions and explanations and then she takes them underground to her real nephew's lab. There they meet some others who have come through the portal too. We have Noir Spider-man, voiced by Nicholas Cage no less, we have an actual pig named Peter Porker and an Asian style hero with a young girl in a robot spider that holds her dad's brain or something.

 

 

 

Each come with their own characteristics and each ready to go back to their own time. Now in this time, we have found out that Kingpin is doing what he's doing because he wants his family back. They once walked in on him fighting with Spider-man and driving away from him. On their way, they died in a car accident and no he wants to gain them back from another dimension.

 

 

Now with the plan in action, they need to make a start. Not a great start though as one of Kingpins henchmen has rounded up the troops and followed them to Aunt May's, the thing is, this henchman is actually Miles' uncle Aaron from earlier in the movie. He refuses to kill his nephew and instead is killed by Kingpin. Miles' carries the body to an alley where he is found by his own dad, obviously remaining masked, he flees and once the body is recognised, an arrest warrant is put out for Spider-people. The gang doesn't take well to Miles not being in control of his powers and web him up as they go to complete the final mission.

He finally has a little control of his electricity and escapes, heads to Aunt May's and makes himself a new outfit. Now a really clever scene takes place if you were paying attention. When they first came underground as a gang, Miles went up to the case the Spidey outfit was in. You could see his reflection around chest height. This time, it seems like he's ready the reflection is head hight and Aunt May swings around in a chair like a Bond villain with a cuppa and asks what took h so long. Making his new outfit with a graffitied spider on the chest, he heads to a rooftop and begins a swing. We switch back to the gang and their fight with the villains as they try to shut down the portal but not before they return home. They know one has to stay behind and our chubby Peter has offered to do so. There's nothing back home for him now. That's until they start to lose and it takes Miles' introduction to save them.

 

 

Kicking arse, they finally get around to going home, saying their goodbyes and Miles' filling Peter with confidence to make it up with MJ and then dropping him through the portal. We get a final fight between dimensions between Miles and Kingpin before the day is saved and our new Spiderman can reap the rewards from his unknowing father. The movie ends with a recap of Miles' new confident life, making friends, swinging well and at the end, we hear Gwen's voice addressing him before the credits roll as a portal opens. The movie is dedicated to Stan Lee and Steve Ditko before an after-credits scene shows Spider-man confused pointing at another futuristic one.
I loved this movie and may well have seen it more than 5 times already this year. A couple in the cinema and a few on flights. This was a completely different approach to the Spider-man movies and I think that's what worked so well for it. With so many characters, it may have been easy to get lost but the way it introduced each one's back story in, at times, humorous way. Talking of humour, it really was in abundance for this movie and it was far from out of place. You had deaths of family members and main characters which really were sad and affected the characters but the humour quickly brought the audience back. The cast was really clever, not only to have a mix of ages, styles and ethnicities but even bringing in a bloody pig character. There was someone for every style of audience member, even the farmyard animal. The style and animation were the other major talking point. The way it was made to look like a comic book at times, even with little pop-ups and animations like a Japanese cartoon was really clever. It's not something I've seen on the big screen before and I was unsure how I would take to it but it only added to the enjoyment. I'm really interested to see where they go next with this movie and what the future has in store. This is definitely up there in terms of favourite Spider-man and even Marvel movie.


Yeah, he'll take a bowling ball to the bollocks! (Fighting with my Family 2019)

227.

Fighting with my Family 

 

 

9/10

 

Being a WWE fan since I can remember, back when they were actually great and called WWF, this movie is going to show the background of one of their most recent pioneers on the female side of the curtain. We are about to see the rise and rise of Saraya Knight, also known to the wrestling world as Paige. Florence Pugh is going to bring her to the big screen and with Nick Frost playing dad, Lena Headey playing mom and Vince Vaughn as our main coach, it seems like we are going to get some British comedy with an American heart. Being written and directed by Stephen Merchant can only be a good thing, surely? Let's get into the ring and see what's in store.
The Bevis' are a wrestling family, doing the rounds across Britain and we are quickly introduced to young versions of the siblings as they fight over the TV. They are stopped by their dad, who shows them better techniques. This then skips into the ring as they are teaching local kids in the family gym. Zak, the brother and Saraya, now going under the name Paige from her favourite TV show, often perform on the circuit. Zak's missis falls pregnant and the two families have to meet over dinner at the Bevis household. Being from two different worlds, The Bevis family are vulgar and come with no filter, whilst the other parents are much more upper class. During dinner, the family receives a call that the siblings have been asked to try out for WWE. 
On arrival, they bump into The Rock who gives them his own style of pep-talk and then head into the ring. Hutch Morgan played by Vince Vaughn, puts them bother and others through their paces and at the end, Paige is the only one chosen. She runs after Hutch, demanding that he also takes Zak but that isn't an option. Zak is the one who demands that she does it for the family. They have an older brother who is in jail after not taking the same rejection too well. She gives in and heads off to NXT to training.

 

 

In Florida, Saraya feels really alone. She's a plain girl with a gothic style whilst the other girl involved are mostly models or the cheerleader type with zero experience of wrestling. She gives it her all but is truly exhausted. Calling home now and again to let the family know how hard it is out there. We don't see Zak much though, as the parents are making loads of money off her success already. They don't really seem to care for how she is actually feeling and are trying to live their dreams through her. This is what they wanted for themselves and are not kind of forcing it on their children. Saraya tries to get in touch with her brother for some support but he's no help. He too jealous and even calls Hutch begging for another shot, but is told to just leave it go. Back home, he ignores the wife and child and even the students at the gym.
At her first match with NXT, Paige is badly heckled by the crowd and the other divas take advantage of this on the mic. This leads her to change her image to a blonde, tanned piece, just like the others. Back on the bus, this turns nasty as she thinks the other girls are talking about her but they are actually only chatting about their families and reasons for them being there.

 

 

They argue with Saraya, telling her that she never really made an effort with them and this is overheard by Hutch. Outside the bus, she asks why Zak was never chosen. He explains that he saved him from a life as a jobber, which would alienate his family and lead to injury on the chase. This is exactly the life that he led until this training job. Given the advice to quit, Saraya heads home for Christmas with a choice to make.
Whilst at home, she is made to perform with her family and Zak, in his jealousy, doesn't hold his punches. The night ends with him breaking the news to the parents that Saraya is thinking of leaving the training camp. The father is tamping but the mom actually supports her decision, all whilst they are driving around to find Zak. He found his way to a pub to pick a fight with a group of lads. Before it gets too nasty, the dad is there to drag him away and he once again storms off. Saraya finally catches up with him and they have a right barmy. He doesn't want her to throw away the one thing that he can't have. She's left to explain that he has a girlfriend and child that love him and he's in fear of losing them.
Saraya has made her decision and she going to carry on the Paige persona, going back to her black hair and pale skin. She trains harder than ever and makes friends with the other girls in any way she knows how. The older brother is now out of the joint and even Zak is coming around, making amends with the students and begins training again. Paige survives another round of cuts and as a reward, the group is taken to Wrestlemania. Hutch brings her into a private office and in walks The Rock. Hutch leaves and Paige is asked to call her parents with The Rock wishes to talk to them. At first, they hang up, not believing that it's truly him. He tries again and this time, after a little proof, they listen to what he has to say. He breaks the news that Paige will make her debut on TV the night after Mania. All of this after Paige thinking that this was the end. Everyone, as you can imagine, are both shocked and thrilled. The next night Paige is in the dressing room, waiting to debut but is clearly nervous. The one person she can call is her brother, who clarifies everything and tells her to get out there. She heads out, beats the champ and becomes champion on her first night.

 

 

 She addresses the crowd, finally being successful on the mics, telling them she done it for the misfits and that this is 'HER HOUSE NOW', which is a trademark phrase for her these days. The text at the end explains how much of a trailblazer Paige has been for the company and as the credits roll, we are treated to snippets and pictures of the real family.
I absolutely loved this movie and even got around to seeing it on the big screen twice. Being a fan of wrestling and knowing the story that came after this movie definitely helped with the enjoyment but I think this movie possessed such a storyline that anyone who doesn't know the ins and outs may want to go away and follow up on the rest. As each hit came from the movie, I found myself getting more and more invested. Smiling as she got confirmed to be on raw and even getting goosebumps. They had changed the end a little as she was already a champ in NXT and didn't shy away from the mic like the ending to this movie but it worked much better for the storyline to have her be more confident and address the misfits after she held the title. The acting is this was very good and an almost complete cast. Vaughn as a drill sergeant, just like in Hacksaw Ridge, was a very good role for him. The comedy came from Frost and Headey, which took away from the rest of the seriousness within the story but they could switch to such just as easy. Florence Pugh gave us a great account of a troubled girl, torn between what life choice to make and struggling with the journey she was on. This is the first time I have seen her on the big screen and I very much doubt it will be the last. This may be a movie that will go under the radar in a lot of circles but believe me, give it a chance even if you're not into wrestling, mainly because the story and a true story at that, is a mix of emotions and brilliant watch. It truly is a fight with her family.

You as rich as Jay-Z? (The Upside 2019)

226.

The Upside

7.5/10

When someone mentions Kevin Hart to you, you think comedy and that could be stand-up or a movie. Now link him with Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman and we have a charming remake of a real-life relationship between two of the unlikeliest of friends. Cranston is going to be playing a quadriplegic who is not short of a penny and Hart is a parolee, looking to reconnect with his estranged wife. This movie was originally a french movie called 'The Intouchables', which was a massive hit in some European movies, but as expected translating this into English means the lazy audience doesn't need to read the subtitles.
The movie begins pretty abruptly with Hart's character Dell, speeding trough Chicago with Cranston's character Philip in the passenger seat. They have a bet on that he can't lose the cops and although he does for a little while, they end up being cornered and needing to lie about Philip having a seizure and they need to get to the hospital. After an escort, they laugh off the night and head home. The little print of '6 months earlier' appears and now we are about to find out how we got to this night.
Del has recently been released from prison and is set the task of trying to find a job. The only thing he really cares about though is the signatures so he can at least prove he is trying. The last interview of the day is with Philip and his assistant Yvonne, played by Nicole Kidman. Tired of waiting, he barges into the office and demands a signature but first, must tell Philip about himself. Finding out about the jail time, Philip asks what it was for but in exchange, Del tells him that he has to have the job.

Out of nowhere and to the displeasure of Yvonne, Philip agrees but thankfully for her, Dell turns down the offer and just wants the John Hancock. Dell heads off to pick up his son, who has already been picked up by the mum, so he heads over to theirs and neither seem to happy with his appearance. The apartment is a shithole and it's the kids birthday. Dell gives his son a book as a present but it's one that he's stolen from Philip's place.
Before Dell knows what's hit him, Yvonne is on the phone to invite him back to take the job. That's how miserable Philip is that he wants the least capable person to be his caregiver. She instantly gives him three strikes but Dell needs to keep this with it being a live-in job and pays handsomely. The job starts a little rocky as he isn't too pleased that he needs to feed a grown man. The nurse comes in and gives him the run-through on how to do each daily chore. That includes the use of the catheter, which obviously brings a hilarious scene. Slowly but surely, Dell starts to adjust to everything and Philip instructs him that he has DNR rule and this is put to the test one night but Dell knowing he needs the job, forces Philip to breathe.

The first paycheck is a real eye-opener for Dell, who hands it straight to his old missis. She's obviously happy about it, that's until Del asks for the book back, instantly knowing it was stolen. He must do his own dirty work though and after finding his son talking to some stranger, he misses the chance to get the book back as some kids are messing with Philip's car and he is called by Yvonne. She gives him the third strike and Dell is only saved when Philip tells her that he gave Dell permission to take the car and see his son. This grump is coming around a little bit, as expected.
The relationship moves on as they smoke weed together, Philip admits that he is in a relationship with a lady that only involves writing to each other and Philip even reveals his past. His wife was suffering from cancer and Philip suggested going paragliding to take his wife's mind off things. This lead to his accident and the condition that he is in now. With a tear shed and Dell in need to a scheme to cheer Philip up, he suggests taking him for food and chats about some ideas he has to start a business and needing Philip's help. He evens convinces Philip to call the woman he has been writing too. Philip joins Dell in taking his son out for the day and we finally get the book back. Philip was still unaware it had been taken. The kid realises who it belongs to, gives it back to Philip and retreats back home.  Philip's day gets even worse when they return home to find that Yvonne has set up a surprise birthday party. You'd have thought she would know that he hates people. Retreating to an office, Philip and Dell begin an argument as Dell starts smashing the place up and this brings Philip back down to earth. He wishes he could do the smashing and lives through Dell for a short time. This unwinds his and eventually they decide to head into the party. He even finds out that his love interest has agreed to meet him.

 This doesn't go well though as she leaves their dinner as a bad memory for Philip. She didn't expect to have to do so much for him and on him trying to leave, he bumps into a couple of people and has boiling hot coffee spilled on his lap. On arrival home, he takes this all out on Dell, as he is the one who pushed him to meet her. He fires him!
Time passes and Dell has paid for a new place for his ex and child. He now has a new job working with cars and as for Philip, he's run through plenty of caregivers but his nurse has made it clear to Dell that he hasn't adjusted and communicated with any of them, even Yvonne has left him. He begs Dell to come and see him, trying to get Philip to come back around. Dell finally heads over, finding Philip hasn' had a shave in a while and takes him out, leading to the encounter that started this movie. They end up going out of town, to a place that Philip can relax and Dell ends up setting up paragliding for him, unknowingly taking part himself. On landing, Dell takes Philip to a hotel bar and sets up a meeting with Yvonne, leaving the two to catch up as he heads to spend some time with his son.
Always one to dabble with a true story, I was not disappointed. I have obviously not watched the French original but I can only imagine the story wouldn't have differed far from the true story. It has a weird charm about it from start to finish as we watched these two characters, as far on opposite sides of the spectrum as possible, bounce of each other with some great charisma and this was helped with the cast of Cranston and Hart. They certainly didn't add a blotch to their CV's by starring in this. The storyline itself showing the growth of our two main characters as both didn't realise they would be accepted in such a way and managed to not only come out of their shells but could then be happy once again when things seemed really bleak. This keeps the audience invested because although we know, as per experiences in this way, there is going to be a falling out of the two main characters and a getting back together, it was still nice to see how this came about. Mixing between humour, seriousness and even sadness, this movie takes you on a little rollercoaster for a couple of hours.