Robert Ebert is undoubtedly an indispensable part of the current film critic community. His reviews and opinions are not only referenced by the general audience but are also highly valued by his peers, who often engage in discussions with him.
Last sumr, Robert harshly criticized "The Princess Diaries," showing no consideration for Julie Andrews and being ruthless toward actors perceived as re eye candy. Despite the film's box office success, Robert's "calm and objective" criticism was like a sharp sword, making every movie of the sumr worry about his judgnt.
However!
At the opening of this sumr's season, Robert was greatly impressed by Anson's performance in "Spider-Man." Is this really happening?
The answer is yes.
"Without a doubt, Anson Wood's nuanced, rich, and layered performance brings Peter Parker to life, making the character not only believable but also truly captivating."
"Every fra he appears in makes this young hero unique. Audiences are willing to follow in his footsteps to explore the character's destiny."
"Anson's personal charisma is the biggest revelation on the big screen this sumr."
High praise, high praise, 100% high praise—
Even Anson himself was surprised, not expecting such high acclaim from Robert.
The entire hall fell silent, with all eyes focused on Anson. Then Anson raised his head and t everyone's gaze.
"Eighty-five points."
Wow!
Jack was the first to raise his hands high in celebration, "Hooray!"
Imdiately, everyone else stood up, cheering, screaming, and hugging, imrsed in a joyful disbelief.
An eighty-five—not ninety or a hundred—but from Robert Ebert, and for a popcorn comrcial movie, that was enough. Who could have imagined that after a series of diocre reviews, there would be such a dramatic turn of events?
Jas shouted, "Is there more? Is there more?"
Anson shrugged, "That's it."
Jas, "What!"
Jas could hardly believe it. He shook his head repeatedly, looking at Anson with a face full of frustration, "Wait, this review isn't sothing you made up, is it?"
Jas agilely jumped over the sofa, rushed to Anson, grabbed the laptop, and quickly scanned the screen, eyes wide with shock.
"This!"
The crowd paused their celebration, all eyes on Jas.
"It's actually real!"
"Robert, I am very disappointed in you, very disappointed. Such a perfect Apollo is right here, and you chose to ignore it. From today, your authority is greatly diminished in my eyes. I have reason to question your taste. I will never trust you again."
Tsk. Whatever.
Boos filled the room.
Chris covered his mouth with his hand, shouting loudly on purpose, "Jas, you suck! Get out of here!"
Laughter filled the room.
Anson, however, looked directly at Kristen, without any apologies. Instead, he spread his arms and gave a look that said, "I'm naturally charming and can't help it."
Kristen couldn't help but burst into laughter.
As ntioned before, Kristen chose to appear in "Spider-Man" because of Anson. She hoped he would bring a different flavor to the film.
In the script, Mary Jane is just eye candy, her role being to scream and wait to be rescued—typical of female leads in current Hollywood comrcial movies.
However, during filming, Kristen, with Anson's help, explored and tried to find Mary Jane's own emotional arc within the script's frawork.
It was an interesting shoot, eting Kristen's expectations. Even in a comrcial film, actors can still find depth in their characters.
Nevertheless, Kristen admitted that not hearing her own review, whether positive or negative, was a bit disappointing. Mary Jane seed to be just an unimportant accessory, not even worth ntioning. But seeing Anson's expression, the disappointnt and bitterness in her heart slowly faded away—
At least the collaboration was enjoyable, right?
Kristen didn't regret it.
Then.
Anson took the laptop back from Jas, read for a while longer, and a smile slowly appeared on his lips. He made a gesture towards Kristen.
"Wait. Wait!"
"Wood and Dunst's performances bring a unique charm to the film. Their gazes, interactions, and every encounter are convincing—not just a high school puppy love, but also a kind of growth and a dream, making this movie most enchanting. It is real and moving."
Jack was ready to jump, but Anson stopped him with a look and continued reading.
"'Rolling Stone,' wow, ninety points."
Wow!
Cheers erupted, uncontrollable now.
Imdiately, Jack stood up, howling weirdly like a wolf, making everyone else burst into laughter.
Chris jumped three feet high, clenching his fists like a gorilla, pounding his chest, "I knew it! Hey, I knew it!"
Only Jas, holding his head in his hands, fell to his knees, crying out, "No! This is so movie reality. Jesus Christ."
This made everyone laugh and tease even more, turning Jas into a complete side character both in the movie and outside.
Clearly, Jas was heartbroken.
Seth rolled over, starting to perform CPR on Jas, causing everyone to laugh uproariously, toppling over one by one, in a raucous scene.
Kristen was drowned in the noise, covering her ears with both hands, smiling as she looked at Anson—
Not much is needed, just a little progress is enough. At least she was seen too.
From Robert Ebert to "Rolling Stone," one praise after another, a silver lining after the dark clouds, acclaim once again took the spotlight.
And this ti, the praise accelerated to the fullest, overwhelmingly positive reviews flooding in, completely igniting a morning in Los Angeles.
Unbelievable, but everything was indeed happening.
"New York Tis," one hundred points, "It's hard to rember the last ti a sumr blockbuster could be so satisfying while easily exceeding expectations."
"Los Angeles Tis," one hundred points, "The terrible computer effects were a disaster, but unbelievably, this film possesses a heart—a sincerity nearly vanished from comrcial genre films. Anson Wood undoubtedly shines on the big screen."
"Variety," ninety-five points, "A reminder of how enchanting the movie experience can be, we are fully imrsed in this tender yet heartbreaking story, soaring to the clouds and plunging to the depths. When the film ends, we are exhilarated, wanting to run wildly in the night breeze."
"Hollywood Reporter," ninety-five points, "A perfect balance of cinematography, direction, story, and characters—all in excellent harmony; and Anson Wood's performance gives Peter Parker real flesh and blood. He is a real person, not just a narrative device."
Four major authoritative dia outlets, all in agreent.
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