Is 'The Amazing Spiderman' Franchise in Trouble?

Amid recent reports that The Amazing Spiderman 3 has been pushed back to 2017, one of the screenwriters for ASM 2 Robert Orci has told IGN Movies that he has exited the sequel.  "I don't know what their plans are for that franchise," Orci said. Then when asked if he would return for future installments he said "I don't ever want to say never, but we have to figure out what their scheduling is in terms of when they want each movie. I've read probably as much as anyone else. There's a love for the Sinister Six, the idea of Venom -- there's an idea of Spider-Man's going to be one of these characters that's part of our business. He's such a popular character. Spider-Man's not going to go away any time soon. When it all happens and how and all that has yet to be determined." Orci's next project will be directing the JJ-less Star Trek 3.

Source: IGN Movies

             ComicBookMovie

First off I would to say that I'm not the biggest fan of Robert Orci or his former writing partner Alex Kurtzman. They have many shitty projects clogging up their combined resume including Cowboys vs Aliens and Transformers: Revenge Of the Fallen. Overall they are mediocre writers at best. They are the geniuses behind using super blood as a plot device in both Star Trek: Into Darkness and ASM 2. Fuck, I wouldn't be surprised if they are the ones who proposed the idea that the aliens' motivation in Cowboys vs Aliens was that they wanted our gold. Just terrible. So somehow these two were believed to be featured heavily in the future of the ASM franchise. Kurtzman was to direct Venom and both of them were expected to pen the upcoming sequel. That was all before the lukewarm critical and box office reception of ASM 2. So now Orci is off to ruin Star Trek and Kurtzman is god knows where. So where does that leave Spiderman and his spinoffs?

What is really interesting is Orci's comments about not knowing the schedule of future Spidey films. A few months ago it seemed very set in stone that Amazing Spiderman 3 would be released in 2016. But in a post ASM 2 world, that no longer seems so certain. Same thing with Venom and the Sinister Six. Sony's plans for the villainous spinoffs seemed like a guarantee, but now Orci's comments make it sound like the studio is weary to make those flicks.

So let's face the facts, Amazing Spiderman 2 has (at least temporarily) crippled the once promising franchise. As a staff we gave the film an 7.5, but others were not as kind. So what was the problem with the movie? Andrew Garfield sure of hell isn't, he is a great Spiderman. Emma Stone was once again top notch. The problem is Marc Webb and the writing team. Webb has swung and missed on both of the mains villains and focus of the first two movies. 

I have never particularly found the Lizard to be an exciting villain and as for Electro, Jamie Foxx's performance of wasn't the problem, the way he was misused was. The character was extremely powerful (superpowers-wise), it just did not feel like the main villain of the film though. He was only around so when the time was right he could break Harry Osborn in Oscorp and give us a Goblin origin. Still somehow in forgien markets this film had the subtitle Rise Of Electro. Even though Electro is missing through most of the film and done away with rather quickly in the finale so that the more compelling villain Green Goblin can fuck with Peter. Webb has stated that Electro is his favorite Spiderman villain, yet the character felt like he didn't belong in this movie. 

The other main problem I have with Webb is his focus on Peter's parents. The storyline had an  obvious ending and took away valuable screen time from other scenes that could have improved the film. It just further made the film jumbled by making it spin more story lines. Also nobody has ever given a shit about Peter's parents. Like seriously I'm surprised this franchise even attempted to address them.

So yes maybe The Amazing Spiderman franchise is delaying it's 3rd film and subsequent spinoffs. But truthfully I find this to be a good thing. This franchise needs to find a new direction. Orci leaving is a good start, but I really believe Sony needs to replace Webb as well. He is great with the romantic scenes, but I'm sorry to tell him that Spiderman isn't all about romance. He picks and misuses the villains of his films and I do not want to see him ruin characters like Venom or Kraven anytime soon. Get a new writing team and tell Webb to hit the curb. Hopefully then Andrew Garfield can get a movie that his fantastic portrayal of Spiderman deserves.

Thanks for reading and make sure to follow us on Twitter @Caped_Informers or me @cstrand73 for all your comic and ASM updates.

Steven DeKnight Takes Over For Netflix's 'Daredevil'

The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods) has left Marvel's Dardevil Neflix series in order to focus on writing/directing the Sinister Six film for Sony. Seems like Marvel was well aware of the impending departure and they have tapped Steven DeKnight (Spartacus: Blood and Sand) to replace Goddard as show runner. DeKnight has worked on many great TV projects in the past such as Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Smallville. But my favorite work of his is Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Just hours of gladiator fights, sex, and people spouting "Jupiter's cock!". If Daredevil is anything like Spartacus, the show is in good hands.

Read More: The Hollywood Reporter

Weekly Poll Analysis: Spiderman Villains (5/8/14)

For this week's poll question I asked "Who Should Be the Main Villain in ASM 3? The people have spoken and they demand Venom! He took the poll this week with 37%.

The results were:

Venom: 37%

Doctor Octopus: 28%

Kraven: 13%

Mysterio: 11%

Sandman: 4%

Green Goblin: 4%

Vulture: 0%

Analysis: 

Venom: The results to this poll were not surprising in the least. With a proposed Venom movie on the horizon, the decision to introduce the character in ASM 3 would make sense. I believe having Venom as the main protagonist in his own film requires Sony to set up his origin beforehand. I do not want to see a Venom origin movie without Peter Parker. Venom's main motivation is to destroy his arch rival and my fear is that without Peter in the film, Venom will start out not as a villain, but rather a hero. In 2007 we received a shit Venom. I do not want to see the character further disgraced on the silver screen by completely changing his motivations and background. Yes, Venom has been an anti-hero, but that was after he was initially fucked with Peter/Spidey. If Sony wants to "redeem" the character like their producer Avi Arad desires, then Venom has to start out as a baddie not a goodie. So Sony, if you are listening Venom would be the smart choice for the villain of your 3rd Amazing Spiderman film.

Doctor Octopus: On the coattails of the evil symbiote was the brain swapping expert Doc Ock. His trusty mechanical arms were teased in ASM 2, but instead of introducing him in Spidey 3 I believe he would be better off first appearing as a member of Harry Osborn's Sinister Six. The villain team up film could be a good place to set up the character then later produce him as the bad guy for the Amazing Spiderman 4. By that point, 2018, audiences will have been 14 years removed from Alfred Molina's Doc Ock and ready for a new interpretation. Though if he was selected as ASM 3's villain it would not be the end of the world. Otto could help further guide the story to the Sinister Six. I just personally feel establishing Venom is of more importance because Harry essential stated he is setting up the Sinister Six at the end of ASM 2.

          

Kraven: Earlier this week, director Marc Webb stated that he would be interested in adapting Kraven the Hunter to the big screen. Now do not get me wrong, Kraven is one of my favorite Spiderman villains. I believe Kraven's Last Hunt is of the best Spidey stories ever told. Having said that, I do not want him as the main villain in Amazing Spiderman 3. My hope for the character is an inclusion in Sinister Six and perhaps a turn as a main villain in a future Spidey film. Perhaps based on the Last Hunt storyline. Other villains like Venom and Doc Ock make more sense to guide the franchise to it's spinoff films.

Green Goblin and Sandman: Dane Dehaan's Gobby is busy setting up his Sinister Six, so I imagine he will not be the main antagonist of ASM 3. Perhaps a small role, but not much more. Sandman however should be left alone for a while longer. Let the stench of Spiderman 3 wear off. Venom was misused in that film, but his popularity can overcome it. Sandman does not have the same level of fan following. I would wait until perhaps a sequel to Sinister Six to first introduce Flint Marko.

Vulture: Sorry, Adrian Toomes. Apparently no gives a shit about you. Personally I don't much either. His Vulture wings were teased along with Doc's arms in ASM 3 which probably means an invitation to join the Sinister Six. Other than that keep this old bird in his cage.

Now sit back and relax until the villain is announced later this year. Thanks for reading!

Make sure to make your voice heard by voting in our polls every week. Who do you want as the villain in ASM 3? Tell us in the comments.

Amazing Spiderman 2 Thoughts/Review!

Marc Webb's The Amazing Spiderman 2 swung into theaters yesterday and all the Informers got together for a screening. Mild- Spoilers Ahead.

What We Liked:

• Great Performances from Main Cast (Garfield, Stone, DeHaan, Foxx)
• Excellent action sequences particularly the final showdowns 
• Proper Characterizations of Peter Parker and Spiderman
• Garfield and Stone's chemistry as Peter and Gwen
• DeHaan's new direction with Harry Osborn/Goblin
• Fleshing out of Stone's Gwen
• Electro's villain score
• Electro was a powerful and worth foe
• A fun joke slinging Spidey
• Absolutely nailing a huge moment in Spiderman comic's history
• A fantastic portrayal of how Spiderman web slings through the city

What We Didn't Like:

• The arc of Peter's parents
• Foreign accents (Rhino, Dr. Kafka)
• Uneven Pacing
• Misplaced montage songs
• Max Dillion's over the top loneliness and shitty life
• Trailers gave away too much of the fighting sequences

          Many people initially thought that The Amazing Spiderman 2 was going to suffer from "too many villains" syndrome ala Spiderman 3, but the movie is not overloaded with villains. It is in fact overloaded with story arcs to get through. The film spins a lot of plates. They had to finish the arc with Peter's parents, introduce Harry, create Electro + Goblin, set up the Sinister Six, deal with fallout of Gwen's dad dying and that's just half of it. There is a lot to get through in 2 hrs and 12 mins. This leads the film to pacing and tonal issues, but what it lacks in those departments it makes up for in the film's heart. Spiderman likes being Spiderman. He is not dark and gritty like Batman. He has fun on the job and wishes to inspire the people of New York. The film perfectly captures this. It also brings tremendous action and performances from it's leads. So while this is not the perfect film cinematically, it does has the perfect Spiderman. Andrew Garfield is more Spiderman/Peter Parker than Tobey McGuire ever was. So taking into everything above into account especially the absolute nailing of a classic Spiderman moment, The Informers give The Amazing Spiderman 2 a 7.5 out of 10. 

Check out our podcast this week to hear more about our thoughts on the movie. Thanks for reading! What did you think of the movie? Sound off in the comments

THE REDEEM TEAM!

On our 12th podcast, Christian, Karl, and Ryan discuss the future spinoffs of major superhero franchises. The gangs touches upon the Sinister Six, Venom, and even Mystique. So strap in for some Spinoff action!

(Recorded 4/13/14)

Follow us on Twitter: Caped_Informers

Marvel Studios Has Rights To Kingpin

Marvel Studios does not own the film rights to a few of the comic company's most beloved characters. Sony has the film rights Spider-Man. FOX owns X-Men and the Fantastic Four. Recently though MCU godfather Kevin Feige, in a interview with IGN Movies, confirmed that Marvel Studios does have shared rights to one of Daredevil's greatest foes, The Kingpin. Put one in the plus column for the studio because initially it seemed only Daredevil's rights reverted back to them which left us wondering if Matt Murdoch would do battle with Wilson Fisk on his upcoming Netflix series. Confirming the villain would be a big win for that series. Avi Arad, producer of the Spider-man films, then went on to add that Sony has access to the Kingpin character as well. A joint custody if you will. So maybe if Kingpin does show up in the Spidey-verse he could possibly be the antagonist of the Sinister Six film. Just spouting off a great idea. No big. Daredevil will be shot this summer, so expect casting news soon and Sinister Six is in it's beginning stages of development.

Read the interview: http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/07/marvel-studios-boss-kevin-feige-talks-captain-america-the-winter-soldier-spoilers-and-whats-in-store-for-the-marvel-cinematic-universe

Sinister Six Spin-Off not Expected to Showcase the Classic Six?

In a recent interview with IGN movies, the guys in charge of the Sinister Six spin-off Matt Tolmach and Avi Arad talked a little bit about what direction they planned to go in regarding their movie. They said and I quote "Nothing is sacred. I mean it’s going to be the best Six that you can imagine, but it’s going to make sense in the world that we’re building." They have also said that it won't be the classic Sinister Six mash up. My one question is why? We have an iconic team up of villains, who have such evil pasts and want nothing more than to destroy what ever is in front of them, but these guys are telling us we can't have that. Kind of grinds your gears to say the least. Also, they chose to blame the Rhino suit in the new movie on the fans saying that if they put Paul Giamattie in a leather suit, they would have hated it. I think the armored suit is fantastic and fits the movie great. I could understand why these guys chose to address that though. There is always going to be some one who hates your decision, even if you're Ben Affleck, then half the comic book world hates you playing Batman. I and my fellow informers are not part of that group (we support Batfleck). But getting back on target here, these guys say they will make the best Sinister Six we can think of? Well I hope so, but just to give them some ideas, here is my idea of the best Sinister Six baddies....


1. Doc. Ock-You don't have the Sinister Six with out their fearless leader.














2. Mysterio-Personal favorite of mine. Very underrated if you ask me. He's just as bad ass as any other Spidey villain, and when you throw magic and illusion into it this guy can't be stopped.

3. Green Goblin-Being featured in one, soon to be two, Spider-Man films, he pretty much is set up to join the Six. It would make the most sense.

4. Kraven the Hunter- If anyone can track the Spider, its Kraven. Marvel's greatest hunter, plus has that "never give up" attitude, this guy can play for my team any day. 

5. Electro- He will be a villain in ASM2, why not just ask him to join the six. Perhaps we will see that. We will have to see how his performance in the movie is.

 

6. Vulture- Adrian Toomes, one of the original members from the comics. Plus, we see his wings and Doc. Ock's arms in a clip during ASM2. The producers have said don't pay too much mind into that clip, well I am  what ever.

Honorable mentions: Hob Goblin, Sandman, Shocker, Rhino, Hydro Man, Venom(think other installments)

Sources:http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/JoshWildingNewsAndReviews/news/?a=98144

              IGN Movies

Venom and Sinister Six Spinoffs Happening Sooner Than We Thought???

In a recent interview with "Den of Geek", Matt Tolmach the man in charge of the Spidey Spinoffs that currently include both Venom and the Sinister Six, said we could be seeing them before the release of Amazing Spider-Man 4. Now this I find very interesting. For those of you that are avid listeners of our podcasts, I made a prediction that we could see hints of both spinoffs in the upcoming Spider-Man film. Whether this means I was right or wrong, I think we can all agree that I was not too far off. Mr. Tolmach saying we could see these movies before the 4th installment is huge. Especially since there is so much room in the Spidey universe for cross overs and things of that nature. All in all it's great news for us web head fans and for all those opposed. Get it? Villain humor.

Source:http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/NightWatcherNews/news/?a=97846

Drew Goddard Picked as Director for Sinister Six

Drew Goddard (Cabin In the Woods) had already been chosen to write Sony's Spidey spinoff The Sinister Six, but now the Hollywood Reporter has confirmed Goddard will also direct. Not much else is known about the project at this time such as which villains will be featured. This is Goddard's second superhero gig this year. A few months back he was selected to be the creative force behind Marvel Studios' Daredevil Netflix series. So it would seem Mr. Goddard is a man who loves his NY based superheroes and villains.

Read the report: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/spider-man-spinoff-sinister-six-694345