...who is gonna be the Spider-Man 4 villain?
by J.A. Hamilton
I’m a huge fan of all things Spider-Man, the first comic book I ever read was AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #313 featuring (coincidentally enough) the Lizard. Naturally I was hooked and started collecting every Spider-Man title out there. I also grew up watching the first animated cartoon (my favorite episode was the one with Sandman), and loved the follow up series in the nineties. So I was on cloud nine when the first feature film came out, the second one blew me away and the third had the potential to be great but got bogged down by too many elements and as such failed to deliver a coherent storyline. There have been rumors aplenty for SPIDER-MAN 4, and some of them have me worried.
They sure don't make em like this anymore
Firstly, I’m glad Sony’s excited about a fifth and sixth installment, but their focus should be on number four as far as I’m concerned. Though Spidey 3 wasn’t a complete dud, the masses (me included) were disappointed with a variety of things and our confidence in the series must be restored. As I’ve said before, I’m happy as hell to hear James Vanderbilt (ZODIAC, THE RUNDOWN, BASIC) is penning the next two scripts, but I’m worried we might be getting ahead of ourselves here. I personally would have ended SPIDER-MAN 3 with Brock and the symbiote bonding and given part 4 to Venom but sadly that’s not how things went down.
I'm still haunted by what could have been...
Speaking of villains, that’s my next point of interest. I have nothing but respect for Dylan Baker (who worked well in Spidey 2 and 3), but I just can’t get behind the Lizard as a villain, mainly because he’s like an animal version of the Hulk and as such, a one dimensional character who doesn’t really bring much to the table. A strong antagonist needs dialogue, without it, it becomes very hard to empathize or even enjoy the relationship between hero and villain. Some people are baffled by why fans love Venom so much, well go read some of the comics and you’ll find out. The back and forth between Brock and Peter is the very definition of nemesis.
Sorry, but no thanks
I’m not at all fond of the Black Cat coming to town either. I’m not hating on the character per say, but I find it curious that Raimi or the writers would want to put yet another love interest between Peter and Mary Jane. We got more than enough of that with Gwen Stacy in the last film, and with Peter and MJ getting engaged I’m not sure another emotional obstacle is the right way to go. Furthermore, the rumor and or idea of a kid being thrown into the mix, is absolutely ridiculous (see Tony Lang’s article entitled Spidey has a baby). There is no reason for this whatsoever and in my opinion, this would only hurt the film and add yet another debatable angle that just doesn’t need to be there.
This on the other hand, would make me smile
I’m definitely rooting for SPIDER-MAN 4, as I said I’m a die hard fan, but I strongly feel that this film will be a make or break point in the series. I made last week’s Requiem for Nachos joke about Bruce Campbell being Mysterio because that’s exactly what I personally would love to see. I think Campbell could carry the film as Spidey’s nemesis this time around, and Mysterio is definitely a cool enough character to reinvigorate the fans much like Doc Ock did in part 2. That’s the sort of edge this film needs, rather than another cheap gimmick (a kid) or leaning on another love interest. Time will tell, but I sincerely hope this is a sequel the fans will want to see.
More Fantasy Films!
WTF Moments
Is 3D a gimmick?
Know a good script!
Don't screw up Green Lantern!
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6:51AM on 12/02/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
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The problem with Spidey 3 was everyone, including the filmmakers, got too worked about who the villains would...
The problem with Spidey 3 was everyone, including the filmmakers, got too worked about who the villains would be and cared less and less for the story. SM4 needs to be the other way around.
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But ya know, BRUCE CAMPBELL could carry the whole thing. Too Bad some dumb ass killed of Doc Ock, what a waste. HE would always be welcome!
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How do you know? All that was shown was an explosion at the end of Spider-Man 3. It's still unclear if they died.
How do you know? All that was shown was an explosion at the end of Spider-Man 3. It's still unclear if they died.
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I've always thought scorpian was a great underused villain myself. As good as big Bruce would be as mysterio, could mysterio carry a whole movie? I agree a spiderman baby is a terrible idea, and to honest I think that was pure rumour.
I've always thought scorpian was a great underused villain myself. As good as big Bruce would be as mysterio, could mysterio carry a whole movie? I agree a spiderman baby is a terrible idea, and to honest I think that was pure rumour.
8:43AM on 12/01/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
First off Lizard is more then one dimensional as the whole thing aobut the character is that the savage Lizard persona is trying to take over his body. There are lots of times where conversation has been had while he was of sound mind.
Second. If Black cat comes in then MJ will probably be out. That's what it was in the comics was that Cat was there...
First off Lizard is more then one dimensional as the whole thing aobut the character is that the savage Lizard persona is trying to take over his body. There are lots of times where conversation has been had while he was of sound mind.
Second. If Black cat comes in then MJ will probably be out. That's what it was in the comics was that Cat was there when MJ leave Peter the first time (i may be a bit fuzzy on this one as it's been a while since i've read those issues). Also she adds a different angle since her character was in love with Spider Man and NOT Peter Parker.
Totally agree on the Venom should have been held til 4 part though, would have worked out way better.
8:01AM on 12/01/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Seriously, I would love to see Lizard and/or Black Cat. If BC was Mysterio I'd be thrilled. I think he'd be slightly less effective as Black Cat.
Seriously, I would love to see Lizard and/or Black Cat. If BC was Mysterio I'd be thrilled. I think he'd be slightly less effective as Black Cat.
7:57AM on 12/01/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Which would be pretty awesome, and a great way to tie all of the Spider-Man movies together.
Which would be pretty awesome, and a great way to tie all of the Spider-Man movies together.