‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ Review: The Best Spider-Man Yet

Saying The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the best yet in the franchise is a pretty bold statement, and I am well aware of it. However, I completely stand behind it. I saw a IMAX 3D screening for the film earlier this week, and I found myself going through all the emotions – excitement, laughter, tears of sadness, hope, anger…. You name it, I probably felt it during the film.

What is truly remarkable about this Spider-Man was the onscreen chemistry between real-life couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. It was palpable for the audience. I would go so far as to say this is my favorite onscreen pairing I’ve seen in years, and the way that comic book movie romances should be… not sterile like Henry Cavill and Amy Adams in Man of Steel.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead.

It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: OsCorp.

Garfield does an amazing job at embracing the nerdiness of Peter Parker yet retaining the undeniable charm, and Emma Stone gave a strong and relatable performance as Gwen Stacy. While there was much debate over whether or not Dane DeHaan would be able to pull off the Green Goblin, I think he actually did a wonderful job at transforming from Harry Osborn into the creepy creature. There is something about DeHaan that reminds me of a younger and skinnier version of Leonardo DiCaprio. I’m not sure if its just his looks or his mannerisms – but regardless I think he nailed this role. And lastly, we can’t forget Jamie Foxx as Electro – I think I was too memorized by how great his effects looked to really see anything else. Foxx is a fine actor though with great range, his performance here is just as solid as you would expect.

There’s even a pretty amazing cameo from… hey… I know that guy… Stan Lee!

I won’t say that The Amazing Spider-Man 2 isn’t without its cheese factor. I mean, all superhero movies have to have it to some degree. But in this film, it’s done in such a way that makes you giggle instead of roll your eyes. Comic book villains just have to say absurd things sometimes, you know?

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Trailer

My only real complaint was that there was no special scene at the very end of the credits. I mean, come on Marvel, you always do that!

Overall, I’m blown away that more critics do not agree. This film had everything a superhero movie should have, and something that is incredibly difficult for this genre to do right – heart. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 isn’t over the top like Man of Steel – gratuitous in its fight scenes and unrealistic concern for the world around it. No, Spider-Man stays true and continues holding the bar high for Marvel.

If you disagree with me, I invite you to comment below and tell me what you didn’t like about the film, because this girl loved it.

Grade: A

Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *