Rebooting 'The Amazing Spiderman'

Spiderman does it again!

In the rebooted version of the human arachnid, ‘The Amazing Spiderman’ cost US$215 million, and redressed and addressed in fresh ways. It is presented in digitalised and in 3D versions with a brand-new cast. Like The Matrix Trilogy that came reloaded and unloaded, this version is rebooted and re-imagined, to varying results and responses. Either the new version pales against the original, or or exceeds it. In recent years, the success with the re-invention of Spiderman, Superman and Ironman bear testament to successful franchises.

The salient changes to Spidey is his costume, and originations; mainly his web-slinging comes in the form of a wrist-wrapped device and genetically-modified protein that is stronger than steel cables. A star-studded ensemble cast fills the non-CGI segments of the 135-minute film. Spoiler Alert: Stay on during the end-credits where there is suggestion of a sequel. Peter Parker, who underwent a tough childhood is transmogrified into the science freak he is known for, harboring dark and foreboding secrets, amazing superhuman powers, and huge responsibilities to bear. Superheroes, appear to be unhappy characters who cannot get close to others (for fear of violent repercussions), and reluctant heroes with a gift/curse. They have to surrender to their good side and help others, or succumb to their dark side and become criminals. Use your power for good, or evil. 

There is much to learn from animated series, previously known as cartoons in a former-era. Comic-books filled the void of hope during major world events and conflicts. Director, Night Shyamalan did a great job with ‘Unbreakable’ where the world’s most fragile man meets the world’s most indestructible person. The plot is plausible, where the polarity of 'opposites' means the yin and yang of human character. When science meets fantasy, a new genre is born which invites many interesting questions regarding our status as humankind.

How will you reboot yourself? Two legs good, four sticky limbs better.

Which Character Stands Out?

A colleague of mine describes her online profile as the ‘ENFP’ type; which gives away a lot of information if you appreciate the relevance behind the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) profiling instrument. There is much to glean from a person’s operative manual if you appreciate ‘Personality Types’, preferences, motivations and styles.

A current online poll urges readers to vote for their favourite character in the current Marvel Studios (formerly Marvel Comics) film ‘The Avengers’. It stands, at this point in time, that the leaders are Ironman and ‘The Incredible’ Hulk. Hawk and Black Widow who are not superheroes rank at the bottom, whereas Loki (Thor’s adopted brother, Loki who possesses extra-terrestrial powers is also companion to the former two).

What defines a character? Which inventory of indicators or measurements fleshes out a fictitious or real character? I personally enjoyed Stark/Ironman who is human, excessively intelligence and artfully narcissistic. Here is a ‘superhero’ that is living on borrowed time (shrapnel near his heart that can move and kill him), who has experienced an epiphany, and is determined to pit his annoying intelligence, humongous wealth, and cutting-edge technology against the Bad Guys. Each superhero has his/her demons with a personal point to prove, while attempting to exorcise their demons through good deeds. Dr Banner/Hulk clearly has anger management issues and has utilized a plethora of strategies to prevent another ‘incident’ that can be punitive for the taxpayer and town council.

Leadership Lesson: When selecting and recruiting staff, what are your criteria of choice? How much of a person’s initial character matters to you? Which values of theirs are you attracted to? Can you clearly discern between confidence and arrogance?