The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (review)

 

Peter Parker faces one dilemma after another, and must find the clarity within himself to do the right thing. Unfortunately, even with the best intentions, he is sometimes faced with unpleasant outcomes. Learning to live with himself could prove far more difficult than fighting off his (almost comical) enemies.

Speaking of those enemies, what a bunch of characters. I almost felt sorry for them, seeing what turned them into the villains of the story. They kinda remind me of traumatized pets that turned feral, and have to be put down. It would have been easier to cheer for Spidey if he was fighting a truly evil foe (like King Joffrey from Game of Thrones). However, victim or not, Electro and the Green Goblin can’t be allowed to run around, hurting people, can they? The confrontations were classic Spider-man.

The plot, adapted from a comic book storyline, was pretty solid and should be familiar to long-time Spider-man fans. I would liken it to a Marvel comic book with pages of chick lit, philosophy and juvenile drama inserted in-between. That and several plot holes might turn off some viewers. Thank goodness there’s Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), who makes the movie so much more interesting, and makes the slower parts more palatable – even enjoyable. If anyone could keep Spidey one step ahead of his enemies (and himself), it is Gwen. (Sorry, MJ.)

It’s not for everyone, and some might feel short-changed by all the fluff in what they would otherwise expect to be a pure superhero movie. But if you can get past (or even enjoy) those “other” parts, then you might want to swing by your favorite cinema and give it a shot.