Andrew Garfield returns as the web-slinging superhero in the sequel to The Amazing Spider-man (2012). Peter Parker, a.k.a. Spider-man, faces many obstacles throughout the film. In addition to the title villain, Electro (Jaime Foxx), Spidey battles The Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan) and for a small part the Rhino (Paul Giamatti). Peter also battles with immense guilt over promising his girlfriend’s father, Police Captain George Stacy, that he’d abide his dying wish that he’d stay away from his daughter, the radiant Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone).
The film explores the mysterious departure and deaths of Peter’s parents when he was a young child. Director Marc Webb essentially changes the film’s DNA to mirror the comic book series in tone and comedic stances. The change was a much-needed improvement from the first film. While I liked the first film, I maintained that there was no justification for rebooting the series only after 6 years from the conclusion of the Raimi trilogy. While that may be true, the film is still pretty good nonetheless. If you are at all a comic book/sci-fi fan you will probably enjoy this movie.
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The movie admittedly does fall short of being “amazing.” It, like many films has its ups and downs. I think the film was too long, mostly due to the addition of peripheral scenes that weren’t needed in the structure of the film. The best part of the film was the last 20-25 minutes. The climatic sequences were genius and made me a bit disappointed I didn’t watch the film in 3D IMAX like I initially wanted too (I was deterred by critic reviews and I didn’t arrive in time to watch the 3D showing). The CGI was pretty spectacular, in particular in the ending, fight sequences.
The Amazing Spider-man 2 is not as great as say Captain America 2, but it certainly deserves to be watched in theaters and is a fine movie in its own right. There were indications throughout the film of where upcoming sequels and spin-offs would be about, and I have to say I am pretty psyched at the possibility. After all, Spider-man is one of my favorite superheroes.
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I say go watch this movie in theaters. Watch it in 3D (because of those climatic sequences). I hope you enjoy the film, like I did.
*There is a mid-credit bonus scene; although it really is only a scene from the upcoming X-Men movie.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (sci-fi action/violence)
Running Time: 142 minutes
My Grade: B