When the previous movie rebooted the Spiderman universe I actually was not too interested in seeing the film. I felt it was unnecessary to start it all again, this time with a different actor playing the title role. It was probably a year later that I finally checked out the movie and to my surprise I thought it was very good. I preferred Andrew Garfield over Tobey Maguire as he felt less awkward and more in control of the situation. The story was interesting as well (even though I already knew the story through the first three movies), so I was ready for the sequel. The webslinger is back, so this time I had to see the movie on the big screen.
Although this second movie pretty much picks up where the first one left off. Several plot points are picked up again and even though the movie tries to get the viewer up to speed it does not completely succeed with doing that, but it is forgivable as they nicely connect the movies but are not completely essential for enjoying this film. The disappearance of Peter Parker’s parents plays a big role in this second movie as he tries to find out the truth about what happened to them. At the same time he is struggling with the promise he made to Gwen Stacy’s father that he would stay away from her. While he still makes sure to fight crime in the Big Apple (the movie opens with a very entertaining action sequence involving a stolen truck) there are voices against the vigilante crime fighter (not unfamiliar to those who have seen Batman). It is mentioned a couple of times, but not too much is done with it. Of course Spidey needs a villain to fight against and in this case there are two. First up is Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) who, through an accident, turns into Electro. As the name implies he consists of electricity and can use that power to lift objects and of course electrify people. The second villain is one you will know from one of the previous movies, but that is all I will say about him.
Juggling various characters including several villains is a difficult balancing act and it is the main reason I had a bit of an issue with this film. There are so many storylines taking place (the romance between Peter and Gwen, a friendship with someone who helped him in the past, Electro, his search for the truth about his parents) that the movie lacks focus. These storylines are connected, but there are some parts of the movie which could have been cut without losing too much. The film just feels slightly too long and one of the villains (or you could even say two) could have been left out to make it a more powerful whole. Andrew Garfield still has the same charm as he previously had, but from Spiderman I also expect some humor and there wasn’t too much of it.
What the movie does contain is a lot of the relationship between Peter and Gwen. I always think that Emma Stone is a joy to watch and she is here as well, but their storyline (although charming) might be a bit too “soap opera” for some. The movie already sets itself up for inevitable sequels which I didn’t think was necessary. I know there will be more movies and don’t feel I already need to know anything about them. Overall I had an enjoyable time with the film as it offers lots of thrills in a number of action sequences. Unfortunately I though it lacked a bit of focus to wow me enough, but still it is a nice movie to check out at the cinema. And for those interested, there wasn’t any after credits sequence, so don’t bother waiting for anything to be shown.
Great review. I loved the film and thought the new lighter more comic book feel of the film made Spider-man finally feel like Spider-man.
Very much looking forward to the next one, BRING ON SINISTER SIX! 😀
I do not know the comics so I can only judge it as a movie. I had a great time, but it could have been better.
Hmmm, not enough humor in this one? I think the fun part about the first part was the wisecracks. I’m not terribly excited about this one, in fact not much at all. I like Garfield and the fact that I saw him at Comic-con probably fueled my excitement seeing the first movie, ahah.
Somehow I did not think there were enough of those wisecracks. There are some moments (like one where he has to distract security), but there should have been more.
Interesting. I quite liked this one. A lot more than the first. Thought they got Spidey’s humor and wit pretty well.
Thought this one packed a hell of an emotional punch though. There was a lot going on, but I liked how there was plenty of focus on so many of the character relationships.
Also, loved the soundtrack. Can’t remember the last film I have said that about.
I actually liked the first one better. I remember you not liking Captain America and thinking you were kind of done with superhero movies. So did this one change that for you?
Nah, didn’t change that view for me. I’m still going off comic book films. Though, if there are more like this, where it is more about the story to hand, rather than a grander arc, it might get me back into them a little bit more. It was the intimate nature of the personal storylines here that I really liked. Especially Peter’s reaction to Gwen’s death.
I wish Stone was in movies more worthy of her. The first part of that franchise was so boring and this looks even worse.
Stone is a talented actress indeed so let’s hope she will be able to give a powerhouse performance in the future!
Haven’t watched it yet, but your review pretty much confirmed my preconceived notions.
Worth a watch, just not a movie to rush out and see.
Enjoyed this film but did feel the villains were rushed slightly, particularly the Goblin. Looking forward to the sequels but not sure trying to copy Marvels formula is the way to go.
Agree with you on that one. Looking forward to the next one, but you are right that they are trying to go the Marvel way!
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