This is not Spider-man 3.The film does the first smart thing, we finally find out what happened to Peter's parents. It was done brilliantly and kept me on the edge of my seat. And it did serve a purpose as Richard Parker was desperate to upload his findings to a secure site. I was so looking forward to the death of Peter's parents. It was done to excellent effect. The plane collides with the screen, fade to black and then the spider symbol pops up and the movie kicks off as Peter parker as Spider-man chases after pre-rhino played by Paul Giamatti.
I know how people have felt about his inclusion into the movie, what was the point. Truth, its to set up future instalments. Hate the suit? maybe they'll change it down the line. As for me, I'm the opposite. I never really hated the suit. The suit for me seemed to work for me and serve the purposes of the character. While he does not have a big role in the film, I loved how he opened and closed the film. He didn't say much, which I think was for the best so he can try to work on his accent. I liked it, was glad though for no long speeches. Some may say it could of just been anybody and I would say it couldn't. In Sam Raimi's films I think its okay to not make references to future films but with movies like The Avengers and X-men: Days of Future Past this is all Sony can do in order to set up a future evil group, The Sinister Six.
The story then heads off to Peter's graduation. I was happy to see Sally Field's aunt may there, but was saddened of the disappearance of Flash and the no show of Mary Jane. Sally Field is such a lovely actress, I love ever scene she is in. When she tries to talk to Peter, he tries to brush her off, as some of us can relate. I was amazed to see the entirety of Gwen's family was there, along with Peter's visions of Gwen's dead father. I was disappointed in that Gwen's father was not seen with his scars, but that could of earned the film a harder rating.
The love story in the sequel for Gwen and Peter is on the rocks but its Peter who makes the choice to break up with Gwen, much to Gwen's bitter surprise, "I break up with you" she cries. It does become a bit of an off again on again thing through out the movie but Andrew and Emma make it work. Their chemistry is spot on and the best thing about this movie.
We are introduced to the two major players, Max Dillion, and electrician who works for Oscorp and Harry Osborn, the new heir to the Osborn industry. Jamie Foxx plays Max Dillion. He's not bad as Max. He does come off as a bit of a stalker but you feel for him, how he is not respected. His boss, played by BJ Novak. He's good as the intimidating boss. There is a moment were Max attacks him, but its just in Max's head, which shows how desperate he is seeking some respect. How he becomes Electro is a little far fetched, more so as it is unrealistic. What he did, he should not have done and Oscorp should be held responsible for it. And when he becomes Electro, Jamie Foxx is electric. His character makes a steady uphill turn from good-loving fan to vengeful vigilante, he causes so much damage in Times Square. He did so rightfully deserve to do that as, how unintentionally so, Peter got the crowd riled up against Max, even when Max was just an innocent victim.
As an easter egg, Max's boss is Alistair Smythe. He is the eventual creator of the spider-slayers so it was a nice add.
The Osborns are reintroduced here as Harry comes back from being away at college to witness his father's death bed. He then goes on to take over the company, or so he may think. He's eventually framed for Max's accident by Norman's right hand man, Donald Menken, played with greatness by Colm Feore. I would love to see this guy have a bigger role down the road, supposedly he is going to play the part of the Vulture but with his revulsion of the osborns I wonder how that will work out. Other cameo actors who appear include Felicity Jones, she plays the part of Felicia, new secretary to Harry. She will eventually down the cat outfit as she will play the part of Black cat (a burglar of sorts)
This is a long review for a long film, it clocks in at 141 minutes (2 hours and 21 minutes) the longest Spiderman film to date. There is a lot of stuff jam-packed into this film and I LOVE IT!!!!
The visuals were spectacular and the way they worked on Electro was done very well. And Yes, I was not overly impressed by the green goblin but he was not terrible, he worked. And anyways, Harry turns back in the end so they have the chance to do a better version in the future.
The story is stuffed full but compared to the first film it is a necessary expansion. I enjoyed the interaction between Harry and Peter, there was that awkward tension between them. Dehanne is a great addition to the franchise. Peter's backstory of his parents is also expanded upon, what his and Harry's fathers were working on is also very well developed. We get solid explanation into his parents demise. I also loved how Aunt May's life was shown more (she's working as a nurse as a secondary job). There is no reveal of J Jonah Jameson but he is mentioned as Peter sends photos of spiderman to him through email.
I'll sum up my review. I loved this follow-up, I enjoyed what the Marc and his team did with the expansion with all the many story threads I felt they did a good job. The best part is the love story between Peter and Gwen. There is great tension put into the relationship and the theme of time is felt throughout the film as Peter's dad looked at his watch, the tick of the clock, knowing that time was ticking away. Its what Peter tried to stop when he tried to do something that will shock, it is tragic.
The Amazing Spiderman 2 is not for everyone. If you did not enjoy the previous film you may not feel much better about this instalment. I found it to be an epic, exhilarating follow-up that expands on the universe in a grand way.
Rating: A-
