Batgirl Spoiled - WebSeries

Article author: Alwyn Ash


These days in the world of Net there are so many ways in which we get to view our favourite films and television shows. But how about the independent film-makers, screenplay writers and actors? Here we take a look at the Web Series, and discover who is out there...

"Batgirl: Spoiled is a webseries following the 3rd Batgirl on her journey to understand her place in Gotham. Stephanie Brown has never lead a charmed life. But as a part of Gotham’s famed ‘Bat Family’, she has thwarted themed evil-doers and become extremely skilled in her trade. Her world now is one of adrenaline and danger, duty and honor. She has been striving her whole life to get here, but is this really what she wants?"

How I perused the Web in search of something new, a web series that would take my breath away, blow me away, or simply make me think, "How has that been done?"

What struck me about Batgirl Spoiled was the production values of the first episode, there is nothing cheap by way of acting, camera work or script, the humour pinches in a way that satisfies, and Marisha Ray is superb in the lead role as Stephanie/Batgirl. The fight sequences are also neat, well choreographed.

Written by the team of Sax Carr, Marisha Ray, Zack West, and Damian Beurer (who directs the web series too), this is one entity that deserves praise, admiration, and keen fans who will support the project as it develops.

In Episode One we watch as Batgirl observes the arrival of Penguin, who we know to be the archnemesis of Batman. She has plans to intervene in his latest criminal scheme. However, when it becomes clear that something has gone wrong and apprehending him will be impossible, the young heroine turns her attention to a couple of criminals. But is the impulsive Stephanie ready for what dangers lie ahead?

Stephanie Brown is a DC Comics character who became the third Batgirl in 2009. Previous to that she had performed other roles. Created by Chuck Dixon and Tom Lyle, she enjoyed success in her own comic book series.

Batgirl Spoiled is completely unofficial and not associated with DC Comics or Warner Bros. Wish to know more, or catch up on the action? Visit Batgirl Spoiled on Twitter now. Join Stephanie as she spends her nights fighting crime...

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The Amazing Spider-man - FilmReview

Article author: Alwyn Ash


Director spins a Webb that surpasses previous installments...

If you felt that James Vanderbilt's story of the famous Marvel Comics character had come too soon after Sam Raimi's trilogy then you are not alone. I, too, had been deeply concerned by the reboot tag. Why a reboot and not a sequel? However, my viewpoint has changed somewhat after watching Andrew Garfield in action as teenager Peter Parker/Spider-man. Though Tobey Maguire's performance set a benchmark for the webbed superhero - I had always been a fan of Nicholas Hammond, and The Amazing Spider-Man television series which ran for two seasons from 1977-79 - in film, Garfield's handling of the role has gained him far more points in my opinion. And although the chemistry between Maquire and Kirsten Dunst as high school crush Mary Jane Watson was a delight to watch, there is no doubting the far superior chemistry between Garfield and co-star Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy.

And so to the plot: this is probably where I feel a "reboot" wasn't particularly necessary. Except for the look into Peter Parker's history, and his parents, the spider bite is still there, obviously, and the teenager's realisation that he has undergone a DNA "change". However, Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) and his Lizard alter-ego could have sat quite easily in a Spider-Man 4 feature.

The special effects are simply superb, though the Lizard doesn't really make much of an impact as a super-villain. I guess full credit for this movie must be given to Garfield, who's character is seen as a geek, bullied and never truly fitting in. The death sequence of Uncle Ben (played here by Martin Sheen) is beautifully and painfully told, as is Peter's relationship with his Aunt May (Sally Field) throughout the film. There is warmth and positive direction in a feature that could have gone so badly wrong. The decision to reboot was explained too, with director Marc Webb decribing this new outing by saying "we're not making Sam's movie again. It's a different universe and a different story with different characters."

At the heart of the tale we have a boy learning to become a man while at the same time coming to terms with his new abilities. And, as with previous stories in this franchise, his love for the girl who catches his eye, in this case high school classmate Stacy. The Amazing Spider-man does feel more grounded than Raimi's vision, though perhaps its conclusion fails to satisy completely.

I have always stated that I am no comic book fan, and so these cinematic productions are my main glimpse into the worlds of Marvel and DC Comics. Perhaps fans will have felt more excitement by the Lizard's inclusion - Dr Curtis "Curt" Connors had featured in Raimi's Spider-man (in brief mention only), Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man 3, and had been played by actor Dylan Baker, though there was no transformation into his alter-ego - but for this reviewer there was something lacking in the villain role this time around.

I have to pay tribute to James Horner's score for the film, which was simply wonderful throughout and embraced the emotional string just that little bit tighter.

The simple question is, does The Amazing Spider-man stand up boldly and proudly next to the success that was Batman Begins or sit in shame with Superman Returns? With a sequel already coming our way, the former is likely. Though how long this franchise can be sustained with Garfield in the lead role is unknown.

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