Sunday, July 18

Spidey's hidden agenda!

[CONTAINS SPOILERS]
 
So I finally saw Spiderman 2 today, and it was so-so. It's better than the first installment, with a villain who may not be all bad, a self-assured narrative and, of course, enjoyable special effects. 
 
Yet I grow weary of the self-pitying superhero. First, Superman in his Fortress of Solitude, then Batman in a codpiece, and now Spiderman in agonizing indecision between crime-fighting and hooking up with the girl next door. Why am I being asked to feel sorry for these people? Only rich rock stars deserve our sympathies.
 
Plus, I was put off by the film's subtle slant against alternative energy sources. Doc Ock, after all, was trying to provide inexpensive electricity, not just to the city or the country, but to the world. OK, so the plan goes a little bit awry, and he resorts to assault and extortion to achieve his goal. But give Ock credit for not giving up on his dream of finding cheap, reliable power -- not for his own selfish purposes, but for the benefit of everyone.
 
Any genius is bound to step on a few toes on the path to discovery.  I say, give Ock his props.



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