The Amazing Spider-man 2, (warning light spoilers ahead) is a very strong entry into the whole series. The things it does well, it does VERY well. The last 10-15 minutes of the film are close to flawless and the positioning for The Amazing Spider-man 3/The Sinister Six is exciting. Spider-man movies have always been very classically comic booky with their “I’m gonna get you Spider-man!!! (pumps fist in air)” approach to villainy but this movie probably does it better and more than most other comic book movies. Many people are comparing this film to Spider-man 3, in content and execution, and to an extent it a fair comparison.
Both films have 3 villains, both films have the Harry Osborn transformation, and both films have an uneasy amount of crying Spider-men. Where this movie gets it right is that nothing seems rushed and the actions of the villains are done in service of the story or sequels. Instead of Act 3 having an abbreviated battle and disappointing end, Amazing 2 has a satisfactory plot conclusion and a juicy pitch for the already announced sequel. Sure Electro’s backstory was almost as superfluous as Sandman’s, but the action scenes are fun and in true superhero fashion, Spider-man was greatly out powered. Also, the crying done by Parker…is not only necessary, but needed to bring home the emotion of the story.
The excellent casting continues in Amazing 2 with Dane DeHaan playing Harry Osborn. His delivery on some key lines was flat at times but I couldn’t help but see a young Dicaprio in his performance especially during the transformation. Jamie Foxx wasn’t terrible…but he didn’t do Max Dillion/Electro’s character any favors. Most of what makes The Amazing Spider-man feel comic-booky is how Dillion is portrayed. A as bumbling genius turned maniac, who arbitrarily names himself Electro, and has a paper thin reason for hating Spider-man turns the character into more of a backdrop than anything. Had they reigned in the bumble and tuned up the genius, Foxx probably would have been more effective in the role.
The chemistry between Garfield and Emma Stone has never been better and the scenes they share work so well that it immerses you in the story and their relationship. More importantly, their interactions are believeable. The break-up get-back together routine and the “I love you, but can’t be with you mindset” is perfect for the pair. Alot of this was established in the first film but the benefits of the ideas are reaped in spades in Amazing 2.
As good of a time as I had with this movie there were parts that just fell flat for me, but since I know I’m quite a picky movie goer, these spots can easily be forgiven. During the final battle there is a completely unnecessary secondary story happening with a pair of airplanes over NY. The actions of Electro and Spider-man were affecting the planes, but neither knew about it or cared. This whole sub-plot could be removed and zero core-story would be lost. Its SO unnecessary that it even being in the movie is puzzling and somewhat jarring. The viewer has no connection to the characters in the scene, Spider-man does not interact with any of them and once their sub-plot is over they disappear from the rest of the movie. I don’t get it, you cut Mary Jane from the movie completely, but keep this oddly extraneous jet sequence? I’m not a filmmaker, but it just doesn’t seem to make much sense.
Also, coming into the film, the backstory surrounding Richard Parker and his reasons for abandoning Peter were some of the most compelling pieces of lore. When these play out in film the outcome is incredibly predictable and ends up playing a bit like a wet fart. But looking at this plotline, obviously its more about the journey than the destination. Strangely one of the highlights of the investigation of his father is seeing that Peter Parker now uses Google instead of Bing (I love it when movies show tangible character growth).
Probably the most impressive part of the whole movie was how they dealt with the elephant in the room. Anyone who knows the history of Gwen Stacy knows the elephant to which I am referring. Even though I knew it was coming, the execution and emotional impact of that moment sent chills down my spine. It was the best way for the movie to climax and punctuate the duo of films we’ve seen so far. Much like Spider-man 2 was the best of the original trilogy, The Amazing Spider-man 2 could very well be the best of this trilogy too.
So two new Spider-man films in the books and we have yet to meet Mary Jane, Doc Octopus, or J. Johan Jamison. Its odd but not bad. Diving into the Sinister Six, looks to be fun, and probably the best way for this aging franchise to remain relevant in the coming years. One last thing. Dear Sony and Fox, that cross promotion stinger crap you pulled this summer with X-men and Spidey…stop it! It’s not funny and no one appreciates it, thank you.
Verdict: Amazing Spider-man 2, A fitting way to start the summer movie season.