The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (April 2014)

Official Australian release date: 17/4/14. Viewed: 16/4/14.

Directors: Marc Webb

Actors: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Dane DeHaan, Jamie Foxx

Genre: Action / Adventure
Rating: M

The debate still probably continues as to the necessity of this second trilogy of Spider-Man films so shortly after the first, but to me – based on the first two so far – they are far superior. Sure, ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ is not as good as its predecessor from two years ago, but it is still very enjoyable. The film does well linking back to the first film, while also laying some back story for the next one.

The storyline starts off quite simple – Peter & Gwen are in still in love, but he’s conflicted because of the promise he made to her Dad, so there’s a bit of “will they, won’t they?” But at least we have Garfield & Stone – both just plain better actors than Maguire & Dunst. They introduce Max/Electro (Foxx) quite well, but Harry Osborn (DeHaan) a little less so. And I wish they’d saved the Stan Lee cameo for later on! Still, it’s mostly faithful for the comics – with the exception of Giamatti as The Rhino (almost unrecognisable!), although it makes sense he’d be in metal armour, rather than rubber!

I feel they went a little too close to the original trilogy by focusing on Osborn/Green Goblin/Oscorp and not enough on Electro as the main villain & Gwen as the love interest. When you see how powerful Electro becomes (I don’t recall him being as strong/capable in the comics), it makes you question why/how Spider-Man would actually be fighting him – seems like a job for the Fantastic Four or The Avengers! It’s probably a little too long at 2 hours 20min, but still, there’s some rousing speeches (thanks Aunt May & Gwen), some very funny moments and plenty of great action. It just seemed to (please forgive me for this pun) lack a little spark!

Overall: A solid action movie and addition to the Marvel film universe, but it (please forgive me for this pun) just seemed to lack a little spark!

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars.