In terms of sheer spectacle, it outdoes just about every other comic book film, but it takes that spectacle and weaves it together with a strong script and excellent performances.

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"His ability as a storyteller, as a creator of spectacle, his background in both theater and film and the passion he has for this city and this project -- they all just screamed at us, " said Bill Morris, director of Ceremonies for the London Games, when Boyle was appointed to the role.

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But advance reaction to its single outing to date, at the Tokyo Film Festival, suggests that James Cameron has excelled himself as director, with a spectacle that does not dwarf the central love story between Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

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