Clap, clap, clap—
Applause, like thunder.
Jas was the first to cheer, giving a shout-out for the sharp wit of "The New Yorker."
Finally, even though it was just a moderate review, "The New Yorker" still retained its edge and color, ruthlessly criticizing the film for being conservative and formulaic.
Clearly, this is also one of the major controversies faced by "Spider-Man."
Sam Raimi indeed respected the original source material, offering a fresh take on Peter Parker as a superhero. However, considering the era of the original comics, it inevitably seems outdated compared to current tastes. The loyalty of hardcore fans to the source material might actually beco a barrier, stifling the film's ambition and affecting audience engagent.
Jas, looking serious, said, "What did I say? We should have made Green Goblin Jr. the main character. Harry is the most interesting character in the entire story, right?"
Tch.
This ti, boos were thrown at Jas, along with so potato chips.
But Anson didn't join in the jeers, because he knew Jas was right—
In the future, when the stories of superheroes have been exhausted, Hollywood studios will turn their attention to the villains, and "Spider-Man" is no exception. The famous villain Venom even has his own series of films.
Just as Anson was about to tease Jas, a series of rapid knocks on the door broke the atmosphere, and everyone looked toward the door.
Could it be soone arriving late?
Anson was equally puzzled, "Wait, Chris, are you planning another surprise?"
Chris spread his hands, looking innocent.
Jas chuckled and joked, "If it's Hayden, I'll give him a perfect score."
The atmosphere paused slightly—
Jack, Ryan, and the others had no idea that Hayden had once lived here; anwhile, Seth and the gang had heard the whole story from Jas, and even though they said nothing, their expressions showed they didn't welco Hayden.
So, things got awkward.
Jas raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright, it was just a joke, just a joke."
But the joke wasn't funny.
If it really was Hayden, what would that an?
There were many possibilities, but one of them was the worst and most terrible among their speculations:
Hayden's sudden departure might have been due to fear that Anson and Jas would beco as successful as him, or even more so. Before their roles could be reversed, he left early to preserve his dignity. He was willing to be friends with people he saw as below him but couldn't handle them becoming equally or more successful.
And now, hearing that "Spider-Man" might sink like the Titanic, with his fears likely not coming true, he could comfortably continue their friendship.
So, he ca back.
Anson really didn't want to delve into these dark and ugly thoughts. The Hayden he rembered wasn't like this at all; but... this is Hollywood, and none of them could guarantee they wouldn't change. No one could promise they'd remain the sa in the face of fa and fortune.
Otherwise, why did Hayden choose today to show up?
Was it just a coincidence?
Even though Anson wanted to see Hayden again, this was definitely not the ti.
Anson exchanged a look with Jas and Chris.
Jas still had his usual laid-back attitude, ntally prepared for whatever might happen. He could face anything calmly.
Chris, on the other hand, stood up nervously, trying to leave the couch and approach Anson.
Anson stopped Chris with a glance and then headed straight for the door.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself, without hesitation, Anson opened the door—
"Surprise!"
Pop, pop, pop.
Confetti popped in the air, and the person's mouth mimicked the sound of crackling fireworks.
Then, Brad Renfro's sweaty, panting, smiling face appeared in front of him.
Relieved, Anson let out a disbelieving smile. Glancing back, he saw Jas and Chris also visibly relax.
"Brad?"
"You actually... but what about the producer? Are you sure it's okay?"
Anson looked behind Brad but didn't see anyone else, which might an Brad's talk with the producer didn't go well.
Anson carefully hid his concern.
Brad shook his head, smiled, and patted Anson on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I've handled it all. Cheers!"
Brad stepped in first and greeted everyone with a wave. "Hey, everyone, happy review party!"
Chris and Anson shared the sa thought; even though it wasn't Hayden, which was a relief, Brad showing up here raised another question—what about his eting with the producer?
Chris quickly approached Brad. "Are you sure?" He looked at Anson, full of confusion, but this ti, Anson also had no answer to give.
Brad waved him off, signaling Chris not to worry, and spoke openly, "Actually, a producer just invited for a eting, but I thought, hey, this is Hollywood. There are opportunities every day and etings all the ti. Even if we're planning to collaborate, there's no rush, right?"
"I told him we could et tomorrow, and right now, I'm heading ho to join my friends' review party. How could I miss Anson and Jas' review party?"
In the living room, everyone exchanged glances—
They were not that familiar with Brad yet.
Ryan had also stood up, blinking rapidly, feeling a bit flustered, and finally looked to Anson, sending a silent plea for help:
Is this really okay?
Anson was also taken aback. Watching Brad go straight for the whiskey, pouring it generously into a glass of orange juice, he couldn't quite figure it out.
Was the eting unsuccessful, but Brad didn't want them to worry?
Either way, since Brad didn't want to discuss it, Anson didn't push the topic, especially since there were guests present, and so conversations weren't appropriate.
"Brad, if you're thinking of making an appearance today so that Jas will return the favor by getting you a role in his next starring film, then I can only say—
Deal!"
A pause, a twist.
Everyone burst out laughing, and the atmosphere instantly beca lively again.
Chris stepped up again, giving Brad a hug to show comfort.
Then Anson changed the subject.
"Of course, that's assuming there is a next one."
Jas clutched his chest, "Ouch."
Laughter erupted again, more joyful this ti.
Seeing Chris and Brad find their seats again, Anson picked up his laptop.
"Ladies and gentlen, so far, none of the big reviews have co out yet. Let's see if they have sothing fresh to offer."
"Oh."
"Roger Ebert is in."
No need to ntion the "Chicago Sun-Tis" na; just his na was enough to get everyone banging on the table, howling and cheering.
Anson carefully read for a mont, his eyes widening.
"Wait, this is... actually a positive review!"
Anson looked around, and Chris couldn't hold back, jumping up imdiately. Brad, who had just sat down, was almost knocked over by Chris.
"The original story is faithfully presented, and the character portrayal won't disappoint fans of the source material—even Gwen's fans will find it satisfactory. The action sequences are surprisingly well-coordinated, and combined with Sam Raimi's unique horror-style humor, the film is unexpectedly fun."
"And the real surprise cos from—"
Anson looked up from the laptop, staring in disbelief at everyone.
"Anson Wood."
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