I sing you to me, Mrs. Cori.
I couldn't even finish it to be honest. It was on the level of "Unbearable childish talking-animal Dreamworks horse-shit" for me. And I gave it a fair shake too, I watched about an hour of it. Aside from some impressive animation I found absolutely nothing to like. The Toy Story movies lose some points for similar reasons, especially Toy Story 2, though those films make up for it more with at least a little creativity and imagination. Aside from maybe Wall-E, I think Up was the first Pixar film to really strike a successfully functional storytelling balance between mature subtext and more kid-friendly accessible plot and humor. Really the only flaw I have with the film is the villain who is completely under-explored. Even Russell was effective, and he had one of the more powerful moments in the film when he was talking about his Pa.
Then again, I'm not really a Pixar fan. I only really like maybe half of their films, and am not in love with any of them. And they're still probably the best American animation studio. Sad.
I don't think Spider-Man 2 is a bad movie. I think it's very good. But it's extremely overrated, with everyone proclaiming it OMG BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE EVAR!!!!1!!1!!
Personally, I prefer both of Nolan's Batman films, Batman Returns, Dick Tracy, and the first two Superman films.
Also, I'm heading out to see either The Brothers Bloom or Up with The Lady Friend tonight. Not sure which one to go to yet.
I'd put V for Vendetta and Watchmen up there as well. Which version do you consider when you cite Superman II: the original or Donner cut?
Up with The Lady Friend tonight.
So you think there are 6 comic book movies better than Spiderman 2? That's not exactly an overwhelming mass. I don't think it's much of a stretch at all to say Spiderman 2 is the OMG BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE EVAR, because frankly there aren't many good ones. Even some of those you listed aren't really all that great.
I agree, there were definitely a lot of unfortunate omissions. But what WAS there was still well done.
Part of my interest in seeing the restored cut is hoping pieces like the psychologist would be put back in. As you said, it likely won't improve the film greatly, but it might heal some of the wounds.
Hayter is a fun guy to listen to, obviously he's got at least some level of voice talent after all, though I haven't really heard him talk about Watchmen at all I don't think. I might check that out.
Oh, and we saw The Brothers Bloom and both loved it. While it wasn't in 3D and I didn't have a Squirtigo Revisited moment, it was a pretty damn awesome con film with some stellar performances all around. Tons of visual flair and little moments that really make for a fucking awesome movie. Up will wait another day.
I'm seeing this tomorrow for sure. Looking forward to it.
Also, your Avatar continues to freak me out, since that guy looks remarkably like a bizarre-o psychotic version of my father circa 2003.
Your father looks like Stan Van Gundy? That's awesome.
Looking up some pics on google, no. He doesn't at all. Must just be that particular shot.