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 summer, Robert harshly criticized "The Princess Diaries," showing no consideration for Julie Andrews and being ruthless toward actors perceived as mere 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 summer worry about his judgment.
However!
At the opening of this summer'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 frame 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 summer."
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 met everyone's gaze.
"Eighty-five points."
Wow!
Jack was the first to raise his hands high in celebration, "Hooray!"
Immediately, everyone else stood up, cheering, screaming, and hugging, immersed in a joyful disbelief.
An eighty-five—not ninety or a hundred—but from Robert Ebert, and for a popcorn commercial movie, that was enough. Who could have imagined that after a series of mediocre reviews, there would be such a dramatic turn of events?
James shouted, "Is there more? Is there more?"
Anson shrugged, "That's it."
James, "What!"
James could hardly believe it. He shook his head repeatedly, looking at Anson with a face full of frustration, "Wait, this review isn't something you made up, is it?"
James 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 James.
"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, "James, 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 mentioned 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 commercial movies.
However, during filming, Kristen, with Anson's help, explored and tried to find Mary Jane's own emotional arc within the script's framework.
It was an interesting shoot, meeting Kristen's expectations. Even in a commercial 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 seemed to be just an unimportant accessory, not even worth mentioning. But seeing Anson's expression, the disappointment 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 James, 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.
Immediately, 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 James, holding his head in his hands, fell to his knees, crying out, "No! This is some movie reality. Jesus Christ."
This made everyone laugh and tease even more, turning James into a complete side character both in the movie and outside.
Clearly, James was heartbroken.
Seth rolled over, starting to perform CPR on James, 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 time, 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 Times," one hundred points, "It's hard to remember the last time a summer blockbuster could be so satisfying while easily exceeding expectations."
"Los Angeles Times," one hundred points, "The terrible computer effects were a disaster, but unbelievably, this film possesses a heart—a sincerity nearly vanished from commercial 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 immersed 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 media outlets, all in agreement.