"The Amazing Spiderman"

Wow!

What fun!

If you like the Spiderman Series, then you'll love this one.

Now I'm smart enough, just barely, to know that my cup of tea may not satisfy others, but this episode, and there will be more (stay through the initial credits), filled my cup to overflowing

First of all, the story: the tale of Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) - his parents and their untimely disappearance ... raised by  Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field) ... his high school sweetheart (Gwen Stacy) ... and a good guy gone bad (Rhys Ifans) ...

We know the story, mostly, sort of ... but it's done exceedingly well, and for me, the acting is terrific. What's not to like about Martin Sheen portraying what he does so well - an ordinary working stiff with native wisdom and compassion ... and Sally Field, with some of the saddest eyes I've ever seen, yet with fire in her heart for her beloved nephew.

Andrew Garfield captures the slightly geeky character of Peter Parker, and then the thrill of discovering great abilities. Gwen Stacy is high school innocence and delight; a genuinely smart young lady who has an eye for this Peter Parker, even as he has an eye for her. They bring off the awkwardness of the teen years without being melodramatic - which says a lot about the directorial skills of Marc Webb who keeps things under control.

The music is superb ... heroic music as Peter Parker discovers his abilities and learns how to use them well.

But first, humiliate the high school bully (Chris Zylka) who may actually have some redeeming qualities after all.

And, of course, the proverbial Stan Lee cameo as the high school librarian ... you'll love it.

It was entertaining throughout, though at one point, I wanted the story to get on with it. But I think the director made a decision, the right one, to tell the story with detail and care. This is a movie, first of all, not just a showcase of special effects, monsters, all in 3D, which, by the way, is very well done, without overwhelming the senses.

As a summer action movie, it more than fills the bill - making up for summer's biggest disappointment, "Prometheus" ...

There's plenty of high school angst for the younger crowd, and love, too.

There's enough action for the testosterone gang.

And plenty of story-line for those who like good questions: 1) Can science solve our ills and woes? 2) Does science have its limits, and what happens when those limites are transgressed? 3) How does one use one's abilities? 4) If you're not the high school jock, then what? 5) How do we learn who we are?

Okay, 'nuff said.

Worth seeing?

You bet.

In the theater?

Yes, for sure. You'll want the big screen for this one.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Don't bother!

I hate to say it, but this hodge-podge story, so poorly crafted, isn't worth your time or the money, and I rarely say that.

Though it's Heath Ledger's last work, his legacy is poorly served by this inept effort. Rather, to be remembered for his masterful role in the "Dark Night."

In an attempt to bring this work to the screen after Ledger's sad and untimely death, three fine actors are enlisted to portray various permutations of Ledger's roll - Tony, a sometimes good guy who's mostly a scoundrel deserving his comeuppance.

Colin Farrel, Johnny Depp, and Jude Law cannot rescue the film, nor can the special effects, which, in their own way, are rather dazzling, but effects are no substitute for a story.

The mystic wizard, Dr. Parnassus, is gamely portrayed by Christopher Plummer who manages to shine in this very dim effort.

The lovely young thing, which most every movie needs, is done well by Lily Cole who, in the end, finds happiness.

Decent efforts are made by: Verne Troyer as the hapless midget who manages the show and Andrew Garfield as the stage hand.

The show, by the way, the Imaginarium, has something to do with walking through a mirror of sorts while the good Dr. is in a trance. Apparently people find something of their own inner character, be it good or be it evil. Oh well ...

The theme kept reminding me of Tony Randall's 1964, "The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao" - now, there's a good film, and if you haven't seen it, rent it now from Netflix.

It does what "Dr. Parnassus" apparently attempted to do, but failed.

Sadly, "Parnassus" gets my lowest rating. This movie should have never made it out the can.

But you'll enjoy Tony Randall as Dr. Lao.