All posts by Elliot Campos

Elliot Campos (@elliotscampos) is a writer living in Los Angeles. He writes, directs and edits the Beyond School audio-play and previously co-hosted the Superhero Sampler podcast. Both shows are available on iTunes.

A Hype To Remember: Spider-Man (2002)

Raimi’s Spider-Man was a revelation, and it’s hype was an unforgettable event!

 

When I was a kid, live-action superhero movies were limited to a series of Batmen with costumes so stiff that they couldn’t turn their heads. Aside from an obscure Captain America VHS tape that I could rent from the local gas station, Marvel – my chosen comics company – was completely absent from the field.

 

Bryan Singer’s first X-Men film was a revelation. I hopped up-and-down on my way out of the theater as I explained to my father why Toad’s immortal line “Don’t you people ever die?!” was a perfect summation of the genre.

 

Much like Jason Bourne, the X-Men were just the tip of the iceberg. Two years later, the most highly-anticipated cinematic event of all time was unveiled: Spider-Man.

Continue reading A Hype To Remember: Spider-Man (2002)

The Men In Black Sequel We Never Got (And Still Need)

Men in Black is one of the best Hollywood blockbusters ever made. Director Barry Sonnenfeld and writer Ed Solomon spun an obscure comic book into a ridiculously fun piece of popcorn entertainment bursting with imagination and humor. Stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith gave new life to the tired tropes of a mentor who’s seen it all before and a cocky rookie eager to prove himself. The film ends with Jones relaxing in semi-permanent retirement while Smith continues forward with experience to back up his swagger.

 

Audiences were primed for more adventures.

Continue reading The Men In Black Sequel We Never Got (And Still Need)