Directed
by Terry Douglas, Nikki Frakes & William Lawrence Hess. (2010, 80
min).
Stan
Lee is one of those public figures who transcends his medium. Like
The Beatles, Michael Jordan & Bill Gates, just about everybody
knows who he is, even if they aren't particularly interested in what
he does. People like that are always fun to learn more about.
As
the man behind Marvel Comics - and its evolution into a global
entertainment superpower - Stan Lee has an interesting story indeed.
With Great Power does a fairly decent job telling that story,
though it's often more of an affectionate tribute to the man than an
in-depth biography. Ergo, fans who worship at his alter should love
it.
Lee
himself discusses his life and career, from his early
days when he was hired as a gofer working for Timely Comics, his rise as the head of Marvel - co-creating some
of the genre's most iconic heroes - to the present, where he's treated as a rock star by both fans and peers.
Interspersed throughout are interviews with various former colleagues
and family members, as well as producers, actors & directors
who've been involved in movies which made Marvel a Hollywood
powerhouse.
 |
| "Hmmm, let's see...Spiderguy...no, Spiderdude! Wait...how 'bout the Eight Legged Freak! Damn, this is hard." |
Everyone
has nothing but gushing praise for the man, while Lee himself comes
across as congenial and humble, always quick to point out that he
didn't do it alone, extensively discussing the late Jack Kirby, the
artist Lee co-created most of these characters with. Kirby's probably
just as deserving of a tribute doc like this, though casual viewers
probably don't even know who he was. As someone who's never really been
into comics, I always assumed Lee was the artist and writer.
With
Great Power is entertaining, though perhaps not comprehensive. A
career almost eight decades long is tough to sum up in 80 minutes, meaning
what we mostly get are the highlights (punctuated by a career setback
or two). I also imagine hardcore comic buffs & collectors may
already know much of Lee's story. Still, the film is pretty fun and I can't
imagine his fans not getting a kick out of it.
This
film was previously released on DVD in 2012. As far as I've been able
to ascertain, this re-release is identical, including the bonus
features.
EXTRA
KIBBLES
FEATURETTES
- Dozens of short segments related to Lee, comics and/or superheroes
(public appearances, more interviews, etc). I'd list them all but I'd
be up all night.
EXTENDED
INTERVIEWS - Additional footage of over 40 actors, directors,
colleagues & peers interviewed in the film.
CHARACTER
GALLERY - A lengthy list of over 500 characters Stan Lee was involved
with creating.
AUDIO
COMMENTARY
KITTY CONSENSUS:
NOT BAD...LIKE CAT CHOW
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